The whole world benefitted from Confucius' teachings

October 30, 2016

FOR EDUCATION: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presenting a mock cheque of RM30,000 to the Board of Management of Chung Hwa School Beliong.

KUCHING: The impact of Confucius' teachings is not only confined to the Chinese community but also other communities around the world.

Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this had caused many studies to be carried out on his teachings in many parts of the world.

He said the world was intrigued with Confucious' teachings which were applicable in many aspects of human life.

Abdul Karim spoke at Majlis Malam Mesra Hari Confucious 2016 held at a restaurant here last night.

The function was organised by SJK Chung Hua Beliong on behalf of the Combined Board of Management Committee of Schools and PTA of 19 Chinese stream primary schools of Kuching-Serian Road, Simunjan and Asajaya.

RECOGNITION OF CONTRIBUTION: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah with the recipients of long service award

Abdul Karim also touched on the contributions made by the Chinese community in the field of education.

He said the Chinese community had helped other communities gain education.

Karim gesa tingkat kemahiran untuk tingkat daya saing

October 29, 2016

UNTUK KENANGAN - Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bergambar dengan sebahagian daripada para peserta.

ASAJAYA: Keinginan yang tinggi untuk memperolehi dan memperhalusi kemahiran mampu membantu memberi pulangan ekonomi yang baik.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menegaskan usaha kearah meningkatkan tahap kemahiran penting kerana ia boleh membantu menghasilkan daya saing yang tinggi.

Beliau berucap di Majlis Penyampaian Sijil Kursus Kemahiran Jangka Pendek dan Sijil Peserta Kelas Pendidikan Kemahiran PKEM KEMAS P.197 Kota Samarahan di SMK Hajjah Laila Taib di Kampung Tambirat pagi tadi.

Abdul Karim berkata ramai yang mempunyai kemahiran seperti kemahiran membuat anyaman tetapi tidak ramai yang mampu menghasilkan anyaman yang berkreatif dan dinilai sebagai kualiti tinggi.

Oleh sebab itu, ujar beliau, individu-individu yang mampu menghasilkan yang berkualiti tinggi ini dapat meletakkan harga yang tinggi untuk hasil kerja tangan mereka.

Sebahagian daripada para peserta.

Abdul Karim, yang juga merupakan ADUN Asajaya, berkata ada banyak kursus-kursus yang boleh diikuti untuk tujuan memperolehi atau mempertingkatkan kemahiran. 

Beliau juga menyambut baik saranan Ahli Parlimen Kota Samarahan Rubiah Wang agar diwujudkan satu mekanisme untuk membantu mempromosi perniagaan masyarakat Asajaya dan kawasan berdekatan.

Yusri’s dream to meet Barca star Neymar

October 29, 2016

Yusry (standing sixth right) receiving items, part of his sponsorship deal, from Abdul Karim (fourth, right). Also seen are Sim (fifth, left) and others.

KUCHING: Muhammad Yusry Haziq Idris hopes to one day meet his idols Neymar and Andres Iniesta after winning selection for the Million Dollar Feet (MDF) grassroots football programme recently.

Both Neymar and Andres Iniesta are currently with Spanish footballing giants Barcelona. According to the Limbang native, it was a dream-come-true to get the opportunity to travel to Europe and experience professional football there.

Preferably slotted as an attacking midfielder, Yusry also revealed that he is inspired by Safiq Rahim, seeing the Johor DT player as a role model. “Right now, the only thing on my mind now is the trip to Europe. I hope to impress anyone who watches me play while I am there,” he added.

Yusry, who is expected to travel to Europe in mid-November, was attending a sponsorship ceremony presided by Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at Baitulmakmur Building on Thursday.

There, he received sponsorship from a local sports retail outlet, Lea Sports Centre (LSC), whose managing director Raymond Sim Hee Pang said LSC has always believed in sponsoring bright Sarawakian youngsters who excel in sports.

“It is not restricted to football. So long as a Sarawakian youngster is outstanding in sports, we would do our part in helping the youngster. This was because we have always believed in young talents,” he said.

Abdul Karim congratulated Yusry for his achievement and hoped more Sarawakians will follow in his footsteps. Yusry, a student at SMK Tabuan Jaya here, has been chosen as one of the two promising youngsters in the country who participated in the inaugural MDF this year. About 10,000 young football enthusiasts, aged 11-14 years from nationwide auditioned in the programme where only the two best players were selected for an all-expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom (UK).

Happy Deepavali

Host on a roll - inaugural AFC Solidarity Cup next

October 28, 2016

KUCHING: Sarawak will be hosting the AFC Solidarity Cup, an inaugural international football tournament, next month for seven footballing nations.

Organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from Nov 2 to 15, the tournament sees countries like Brunei, Timor Leste, Laos, Macau, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Mongolia compete against each other for top honours.

According to Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Kuching was selected as host because the city has two international-class stadiums - the Stadium Negeri and Stadium Sarawak.

Matches will be played in the two stadiums and Stadium Sarawak will be used as venue for the final match of the tournament.

Apart from that, Kuching also has a strong football following among its populace, a strong factor why the city was chosen as host.

"Sarawakians should be proud for the recognition by the Asian body (AFC).

"I hope Sarawakians would continue to be passionate about football," he added during a press conference held at the Baitulmakmur Building yesterday.

Karim counting on major international wushu meet here

October 28, 2016

KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is hoping that the Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) can organise an international competition in the state.

"The government would like to see the state wushu association bring in an international wushu championship," said Karim after receiving a courtesy call from the WFS delegation at his office at the Housing Development Commission at Wisma Sultan Tengah yesterday.

The delegation led by president Allen Wong included deputy president James Ting, vice president Bong Chong Jan, secretary Willianm Kong, treasurer TH Ting and committee member Jimmy Chong.

Also present was Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) coordinator for wushu Thomas Chia.

Karim, who is also Assistant Housing Minister, said the government is striving towards bringing in more international competitions in a move to not only maximise the use of the state's sports facilities after SUKMA XVIII but also for the development of sports here.

"We are bringing in the Malaysian badminton Masters to Sibu next January and we hope to also see wuhsu and other sports doing the same, " he said.

Karim also told the WFS officials that the state government will support the funding for organising international competitions.

Jom sertai Hari Belia 11-13 Nov

October 27, 2016

INI DIA ... Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menunjukkan logo Sambutan Hari Belia 2016 Peringkat Negeri Sarawak pada sidang media di Bangunan Baitulmakmur.

KUCHING: Golongan belia di negeri ini dipelawa menghadiri acara Sambutan Hari Belia 2016 Peringkat Negeri Sarawak yang akan diadakan di Kompleks Sukan Negeri, Petra Jaya daripada 11 hingga 13 November depan.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata pihaknya menyasarkan seramai 10,000 belia berusia 15 sehingga 40 tahun akan menghadiri acara tersebut terdiri daripada pelajar sekolah menengah, pelajar institusi pengajian tinggi, ahli persatuan belia dan badan beruniform, pekerja sektor awam dan swasta.

"Acara ini akan menyediakan peluang kepada belia terbabit mempersembahkan kreativiti dan kepelbagaian bakat mereka dalam pelbagai bidang seperti keusahawanan dan patriotisme. 

"Ia juga akan membawa belia lebih dekat dengan kerajaan dengan memahami dan menyertai aktiviti anjuran kerajaan," katanya ketika mengadakan sidang media di Bangunan Baitulmakmur, Petra Jaya disini semalam.

Abdul Karim berkata sebanyak 71 gerai akan disediakan kepada syarikat yang berminat menyertai acara itu - malahan satu pusat sehenti akan juga disediakan bagi syarikat dan majikan yang mencari pekerja serta maklumbalas dasripada orang ramai.

"Antara kemuncak acara selama tiga hari terbabit ialah pemberian Anugerah Belia Ikon, pemeran kerjaya belia, dapur belia, persembahan bakat belia, di samping gerai jualan, senaman zumba dan aerobik dan pelbagai lagi," katanya.

More ‘ayes’ to making S’wak equal partner in Federation

October 25, 2016

Senior leaders of Sarawak BN parties back Chief Minister Adenan Satem's motion on Article 1(2) to be moved at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

KUCHING: Two Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders see the proposed motion in the Sarawak Assembly on Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution as a timely move.

“Malaysia was formed based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related constitutional documents. All parties must respect these documents,” said a PBB Supreme Council Member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He argued it would be wrong to take the position that constitutional documents on Malaysia were no longer relevant with the Federal Constitution in place, Free Malaysia Today reported - quoting The Borneo Post report.

The bottom line, he said, was that many of Sarawak’s rights (as those of Sabah) had been eroded over the years.

“This has to be corrected,” summed up Karim. “The proposed motion is the first step,” he was quoted as saying.

Two earlier motions, on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and oil and gas, were passed unanimously.

Sabah and Sarawak, before the amendment, were equal partners of Malaya in the Federation of Malaysia.

Karim sokong bentang usul tuntutan hak Sarawak

October 25, 2016

KUCHING: Pemimpin Barisan Nasional (BN) Negeri menyokong penuh cadangan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem untuk membentangkan usul berhubung tuntutan semula hak Sarawak pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) bulan depan.

Sokongan tersebut dinyatakan oleh Ahli Majlis Tertinggi PBB Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman hamzah yang juga Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan dan Menteri Muda Perumahan serta ADUN Asajaya.

Menurut Karim, Malaysia ditubuhkan berlandaskan perjanjian-perjanjian dan laporan dan semua pihak perlu menghormati perjanjian awal ini.

"Meskipun kita kini sudah ada Perlembagaan Malaysia tetapi ia tidak bermaksud semua dokumen yang ditandatangani untuk penubuhan Malaysia adalah tidak penting dan tidak relevan seperti yang disuarakan oleh seorang profesor baru-baru ini.

"Itu adalah satu pandangan yang salah dan kemungkinan profesor tersebut perlu menyemak balik sejarah dan bahan rujukan beliau agar dapat faham apa sebenarnya yang diniatkan oleh pemimpin kita ketika menandatangani MA63 pada masa itu," katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Tambah Karim, banyak hak Sarawak terhakis dari tahun ke tahun dan perkara ini perlu diperbetulkan.

Sebab itu, Ketua Menteri mahu membentangkan usul ini pada Persidangan DUN bulan depan sebelum dikemukan kepada kerajaan pusat, katanya lagi.

Kejayaan terbukti

Oktober 25, 2016

BANGGA: Abdul Karim bercakap kepada media selepas merasmikan penutupan Kejohanan Terjun Siri Grand Prix Dunia Persekutuan Renang Antarabangsa (FINA) di Kuching kelmarin.

Lebih banyak kejohanan sukan taraf antarabangsa akan dianjurkan di negeri ini, tegas Abdul Karim

KUCHING: Kerajaan Negeri akan terus berusaha membawa masuk lebih banyak kejohanan bertaraf antarabangsa untuk dianjurkan di Sarawak, kata Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Menurutnya, penganjuran Kejohanan Terjun Siri Grand Prix Dunia Persekutuan Renang Antarabangsa (FINA) berakhir kelmarin membuktikan kejayaan Sarawak dalam bekerjasama melaksanakan kejohanan bertaraf dunia.

"Kita berjaya menamatkan saingan kejohanan terjun FINA dengan kerjasama Persatuan Renang Amatur Malaysia (ASUM) dan Persatuan Renang Amatur Sarawak (ASAS)," katanya pada majlis penutupan kejohanan itu di sini kelmarin.

Justeru itu, Abdul Karim berharap kejohanan serupa dapat diadakan semula di Sarawak.

Mengulas berhubung peruntukkan RM1.2 billion untuk sukan dalam pembentangan Bajet 2017, beliau berkata ia akan digunakan untuk menganjurkan Sukan SEA dan Sukan Para Asean Ke-9 serta tujuan promosi sukan.

Katanya, lebih RM400 juta telah diperuntukkan untuk tujuan itu dan beliau akan memastikan ia turut disalurkan kepada Sarawak.

"Kita akan sentiasa berusaha untuk menarik kemasukkan penganjuran sukan antarabangsa di negeri ini," katanya.

Pelajar, pensyarah IPT terlibat rasuah mesti dikenakan hukuman keras: Karim

October 25, 2016

KUCHING: Hukuman keras harus dikenakan ke atas pelajar dan pensyarah institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) yang terlibat rasuah.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk ABdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata Malaysia, amnya, dan Sarawak, khasnya, memerlukan pensyarah yang boleh dipercayai dan pelajar yang benar-benar cemerlang.

Beliau berkata jika benar insiden seperti itu berlaku di IPT di negara ini, ia perbuatan keji yang mesti dihapuskan segera.

"Pelajar dan pensyarah terlibat rasuah ini tidak layak berada di tempat mereka sekarang. Kita memerlukan pensyarah yang boleh dipercayai dan pelajar yang benar-benar cemerlang.

"Kita tidak mahu graduan yang menipu lahir daripada universiti-universiti kita. Hukuman keras mesti dikenakan ke atas mereka ini," tegasnya.

Beliau berkata demikian sebagai mengulas kenyataan Timbalan Ketua Pesuruhjaya (Pencegahan) Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil yang mengatakan wujud salah laku rasuah dalam kalangan pelajar IPT di negara ini.

Menurutnya, pelajar terbabit akan merasuah pensyarah untuk mendapatkan kelulusan dalam peperiksaan.

K’jaan sedia aktiviti bermanfaat bentuk pemimpin berkaliber

October 24, 2016

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hambar bergambar bersama-sama dengan para penerima sijil. Turut kelihatan ialah Abdul Haris.

KUCHING: Sudah menjadi tanggungjawab kerajaan untuk menyediakan aktiviti bermanfaat kepada golongan belia demi membentuk pemimpin masa depan yang berkaliber.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, ia penting dalam memastikan golongan belia tidak terjerumus dalam aktiviti negatif dan masalah sosial.

“Sebab itulah menjadi satu tanggjungjawab kerajaan baik di peringkat pusat mahupun negeri melalui agensi dan jabatan berkaitan serta pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) untuk sentiasa membimbing anak-anak muda ke arah yang betul.

“Justeru, kita perlu mengawasi setiap aktiviti mereka dan mengaturkan program tertentu untuk belia kita agar mereka ini sentiasa berada di landasan yang lebih baik,” katanya.

Berselfie selepas tamat majlis.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Pentauliahan Pingat Gangsa dan Perak Anugerah Remaja Perdana Rakan Muda dan Majlis Penghargaan Projek Angkat dan Upaya di Dewan Serba Guna Kompleks Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negeri di sini malam kelmarin.

Abdul Karim memberitahu, sekiranya tanggungjawab itu diabaikan maka ia menjadi satu kesalahan dan kegagalan dalam membentuk pemimpin masa depan yang berkualiti.

Sebahagian daripada para peserta bergambar untuk kenang-kenangan.

“Kita harus menganggap bahawa kita adalah ibu bapa anak-anak muda itu sendiri supaya kita melakukan tanggungjawab ini dengan sepenuhnya,” tambahnya.

Suspense over as Crocs miss the plunge

October 24, 2016

KUCHING: Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it all for the fans when Sarawak succeeded in staying up in the Super League for next season.

“Thank God, we beat PDRM 2-1 last night (on Saturday night) and we can remain in the Super League. But to stay in the Super League is one matter and to ensure that we are able to play well consistently and stay at the highest level of competition, we must put in more efforts.

“As we know, the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) is now still without a president and there is a possibility that this will be settled soon before the new season commences,” he said. “We don’t want to have any hitches along the way.”

In their final Super League match against PDRM (Police) on Saturday night at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya, Sarawak’s import player Gilmar da Silva ensured that his team will play again in the Super League next season when he scored the winner via a penalty goal in the 45th minute.

Another import player Teah Denis had put Sarawak in front 1-0 in the 15th minute but the visitors equallised through their import player Guilherme de Paula in the 27th minute.

Meanwhile, Bernama reports that Sarawak’s Super League team lineup for next season will have 80 per cent local players, thereby reducing the recruitment of local imports.

Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) deputy president, Abdul Wahab Rahim said the decision was taken to give more opportunities to young local players and based on current assessment, most of the local players in the team this season would be maintained.

Buoyed by Fina diving, Sarawak eyes more events

October 24, 2016

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah speaking at the Aquatic centre in Kuching yesterday.

KUCHING: The state government will use its newly found clout to draw more international sport competitions to Sarawak.

“We have just completed organising a World Grand Prix Diving Series by Fina and Asum in collaboration with Asas and the state government,” said Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“We have succeeded in organising it well and it is our hope that this competition will return to Sarawak in future. I would like to thank Fina, Asum and Asas for bringing this international event to Sarawak,” said Karim after closing the competition at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya yesterday.

On the RM1.2 billion allocated for sports in Budget 2017, Karim said most of the fund will be used to organise next year’s KL SEA Games, Asean Paralympic Games and promotion of sports.

“If I am not mistaken, more than RM400 million has been allocated for that purpose. For Sarawak, we will endeavour to ensure that part of the funds will be channeled to the state,” he said.

Asked if Sarawak had tried to bid to organise some of the SEA Games events, Karim said the state government is always striving to bring in more international events to Sarawak, although the logistics of distance may stand in the way.

“In January next year, we shall be having the Malaysian badminton Masters in Sibu. The event has been confirmed and we will be having a meeting on this matter. It will be participated by many renowned world shuttlers,” he added.

Rumour about local PKR leaders is no surprise to state BN

October 15, 2016

SIBU: The ‘hot rumour’ about three local PKR leaders leaving the peninsular-based party to join a local party – Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) presents no surprise to the state Barisan Nasional (BN).

It is said that these PKR leaders want a stronger voice, seeing that they could not do so if they stick to the same platform.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wasn't surprised with the rumours stressing that ‘anything is possible in politics’.

“Who would imagine an ex-Umno and BN chairman Tun (Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) is now ‘hugging’ his nemesis (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim), (Lim) Kit Siang and (Lim) Guan Eng?

“It is the same with Sarawak PKR leaders. We could see them out of PKR – who knows one day, they might be sitting with us in BN,” said Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman and also a supreme council of PBB – the state BN backbone party.

Adding on, he reckoned that state PKR leaders would need to relook their struggle.

Abdul Karim also pointed out that what Sarawak and Sarawakians needed and hoped for now would be for political parties and leaders to fight for the return of state rights, which appeared to be diminishing over the years.

Miri players top Borneo squash tourney

October 11, 2016

Karim (back row, centre) pose with winners and other guests after the prize presentation.

KUCHING: The private sector was urged to emulate the commitment of Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) Berhad towards developing talent in sports, particularly squash.

According to Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, they could then play a useful role in helping the state to produce more sports talent.

He was speaking at the prize presentation for the 2nd CMS Borneo Junior Open squash tournament held at Sarawak Squash Centre at Jalan Diplomatik, here on Sunday.

The tournament attracted 200 players from all over Malaysia and other countries. This was reflected in the list of winners in the various categories.

In the Under-15 age-group, Sabahan Lee Duncan won the boy’s event while Kedah’s Wong Heng Wai was the girl’s champion.

RM1 million budget as probable deterrent to be FAS chief

October 11, 2016

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The search for a new Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president continues despite the revelation that a few candidates have been approached.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah could only say that much.

“It is not easy for FAS when a few candidates approached by the association refuse to take on the job. I believe that they are currently doing their best to find the right person,” he told repporters when asked on Sunday.

The state government could more or less provide advice should the FAS ask for help, he said while adding that the association still has to resolve the matter according to its constitution without any government intervention.

“No matter how long does it take for FAS to find a new president, it depends on the association’s constitution. All we (state government) can do is to give them advise if they are facing difficulty.”

The assistant minister also cited the size of the FAS budget as a possible deterrent.

“FAS run on a monthly estimated budget of RM1 million and I do understand that it won’t be an easy task to find that amount. These are the things which deter many from taking over the post,” he explained.

Sports assoc must improve management

October 10, 2016

KUCHING: The State youth and sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urged all sporting bodies in Sarawak to improve the management aspect of sports under their charge.

He praised Sarawak DanceSport Association (SDA) for making efforts to beef up its technical team by providing training to its eight adjudicators, six scrutineers and six technical officials.

Karim was delivering his speech during a closing ceremony of a four-day DanceSport Competition Management & Adjudicator Workshop at a local hotel here yesterday.

Such moves, he said, augured well for its activities and development programmes.

Meanwhile the SDA President Chester Lim expressed his appreciation of the strong support shown and revealed that the association would be hold its 11th Anniversary Dinner and Dance later this year.

Karim urges sports organisers to work closely with MoT

October 10, 2016

Abdul Karim (holding flag) with other officials flagging off one of the races of the 2016 Samarahan Bike Challenge yesterday.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: About 120 cyclists took part in the 2016 Samarahan Bike Challenge yesterday.

Taking off in front of the Summer Mall here, they competed in five categories – Elite, Junior, Veteran ‘All Stars’, Ladies and the Summer Mall Closed.

Jointly organised by DTTG Samarahan, the Samarahan District Office and the Sarawak Cycling Association, the event offered cash prizes totaling RM10,800.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who flagged off the races, expressed the hope that the event could be a future calendar event in the state.

He advised organisers to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism to further advance their main objective of popularising cycling to the younger generation, especially students, students of higher education institutions and local communities.

The event could be organised on a larger scale in future to more international cyclists, he hoped.

Galeri: Officiating Tokong Sam San Kuok Bong in Kpg Sambir

October 09, 2016

Major sports events coming to Sarawak

October 10, 2016

Abdul Karim (sixth left) with Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang (fifth, left), Stakan assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mahmud (seventh, left), Samarahan Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi (ninth, left) and other officials at the Samarahan Bike Challenge yesterday.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: More tournaments, especially national and international ones, look set to take place in Sarawak as the state government wants to ensure that sports venues do not turn into white elephants.

According to Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, after the 2016 Sukma hosted by the state in July, the state government is determined to maximise these facilities while reaping the benefits.

“Organising more tournaments seem to be the right way for these sports venues and facilities. Not only will it help utilise out sports venues and facilities, it will also contribute to local sports development,” he told reporters during the 2016 Samarahan Bike Challenge held here yesterday.

Selamat menduduki peperiksaan PT3 2016

Oxidation ponds unhygienic and dangerous – Abdul Karim

October 9, 2016

Oxidation ponds are strictly out of bound to public as they are unhygienic and dangerous.

SIBU: Oxidation ponds are unhygienic and dangerous thus are strictly out of bound to the public,says Assistant Minister for Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He thus called for concerted efforts to secure such areas from being accessible by members of the public especially children. Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports was commenting on the oxidation ponds under Housing Development Corporation (HDC) in Sibu Jaya and types of safety measures taken to keep out the public, following the latest drowning case there last month.

“There are oxidation ponds in some HDC projects throughout Sarawak including Sibu Jaya. They are under the preview of the local councils where these ponds are located.

Over 13,000 at Padang Merdeka for sporting streak

October 9, 2016

Abdul Karim (centre) and other guests of honour in a photocall after unveiling the event banner.

DEADLY KICKS: A taekwondo demonstration at Padang Merdeka yesterday, which was held in conjunction with the 2016 National Sports Day.

Running in a gunny sack
among events held
yesterday.

KUCHING: More than 13,000 people attended the 2016 National Sports Day held at Padang Merdeka here yesterday for the annual three-day event.

According to Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, more than 600,000 participated in the programme held in several cities across the state while more than six million participated nationwide.

“Obesity is a problem affecting our generation and it can be countered by indulging in sports and exercising,” said Karim.

He said recreational activities of at least once a week will burncalories to maintain an ideal weight.

Karim later congratulated participants who completed the events such as running and cycling and several others held yesterday, which includeda 5km Fun Run, Fun Ride 10km and 30km, and also aerobics and zumba.

An extreme stunt in a demonstration by the Army.

The event also saw several other booths set up, lucky draws and an army demonstration.

State govt to step in if FAS fails to get new chief

October 7, 2016

Karim (seated centre) seen speaking to reporters during the press conference yesterday. Also seen are Zaini (seated left), Liew (seated right) and others.

KUCHING: The state government will intervene if the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) fails to find a new president.

Following its annual general meeting on Sept 17, FAS elected its new exco members but has yet to elect a president.

Former FAS president Datu Sudarsono Osman, deputy president Datu Abu Bakar Marzuki and secretary-general Abdullah Julaihi all declined to be re-elected.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday the search for a new president must end as FAS cannot function without a leader.

He added he understood the task of leading the most popular sports association in the state is difficult but there has got to be someone out there who could lead FAS.

One of the reasons why no one want the post is the enormous budget needed to run the association.

“FAS run on a monthly estimated budget of RM1 million and I do understand that it won’t be an easy task to find that amount.

Abd Karims laughs at Ling’s call for MACC probe

October 07, 2016

SIBU: Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah laughs off DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling’s call for Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the frequent political defections in Sabah.

“I am amused by Sarawak DAP secretary Alan Ling calling for MACC to probe into the mass defection of elected representatives and senior party members from PKR and DAP in Sabah.

“I believe there must be good reasons for the key leaders to switch camps or opt to leave their original parties and the only thing I can think of is that they have given up hope on the struggle of their original parties,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Ling reportedly claimed there was a need to do so (investigation) as many electorates perceived those ‘frogging’ as money politics at play.

He made the call on Wednesday following the exit of several Sabah PKR and DAP leaders last week, and further said he believed many cases of politicians quitting for other platforms to champion their struggles were genuine, but not all of them.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, added: “Those who moved are no ordinary members. Many are YBs holding key positions in their respective parties. They are also professionals in their own right.

“Insinuating that they are being bought and calling for MACC to probe into their financial background is an insult to these leaders.”

Our electoral system just as good, says Abdul Karim

October 5, 2016

SIBU: Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has blasted Lanang MP Alice Lau for urging the government to follow the American system of a fixed-term election.

“Why must the American fixed term system be seen as the best system in the eyes of YB Alice Lau? Is she saying that the British system we have been practising all these years has many flaws?

“Whatever system in practice, there are bound to be some good and some bad – there is no perfect system. Malaysia was once colonised by Britain and we are very familiar with the British electoral system.

“It is not 100 per cent perfect but we have been able to have good proper elections since ‘Merdeka’ (independence). Just because some voters are not able to plan their holidays, our whole system is flawed? What is YB Alice trying to say?” said the assistant minister, who is Asajaya assemblyman, when asked on Monday.

He was reacting to Lau’s statement that a fixed-term election system where the election would occur on a set date, would be more transparent besides saving time, manpower and costs.

She had called for the Federal Constitution to be amended so that the current election system could be changed.

Lau further claimed that although the next general election was only due in 2018, many had been predicting it would be held next year – an inconvenience to the electorate’s holiday or business plans, according to her.

Karim gives thumb up to HAS new management

October 2, 2016

Karim (third right) accompanied by Mary (second right) and (from left) Linda, Shamala and Regina, presents a souvenir to a representative of Warriors Hockey Club team.

KUCHING: Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is confident that hockey in Sarawak will reach greater heights under the new management of the Hockey Association of Sarawak (HAS).

He is optimistic that under the leadership of HAS president Datin Mary Sadiah Zainuddin, Sarawak will be able to produce more players to represent the country in international competitions.

“With personalities like Mary and Regina Janting who are so committed and passionate about developing hockey, we are on the right track and hockey in the state will definitely further develop in one or two years and probably be one of the sports that will bring to the good name to Sarawak in Sukma,” he said at the opening of the inaugural TNB Sarawak Hockey League at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Having said that, Karim is hoping that Sarawak will not only be champions year after year in the MSSM championship but also strive to become the champions in Sukma in Perak in two years’ time.

“The Sukma title has always been elusive to us. We have not been able to win the championship for 26 years,” said Karim who is also Assistant Housing Minister.

On the TNB Sarawak Hockey League, he noted it was a good beginning for the development of hockey where more talents could be unearthed.

“I am also impressed with the development programmes lined up by HAS including working closely with the State Education Department to develop the sport at grass roots level with the Under U11, 13 and 15 boys and girls,” he added.

Selamat Menyambut Maal Hijrah 2016