A local racing track – to build or not to build

November 29, 2016

SIBU: Building a racing track in Sarawak may not be feasible as it is costly, said Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who also doubts it will curb ‘Mat Rempit’ activities.

He was asked to respond to the proposal by Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman on an auto racing track to enable youths in Sarawak to have a proper platform to conduct race activities.

When debating the State Budget 2017, Fazzrudin had proposed that the state government could first identify a piece of land to accommodate the proposed track of at least 800m long and 50m wide, saying that it would not be a heavy investment while raising the enthusiasm for auto racing among the youths.

“Building and maintaining a racing track is very expensive. Even the Malaysian Formula 1 Race in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Formula 1 night race is being scrapped because of the heavy cost of organising and maintaining this track and races,” said Abdul Karim.

He added: “I am unsure whether it is a good idea to have racing tracks in Sarawak. Personally I am quite sceptical as probably we are only looking at local motor enthusiasts. If we think of having an international racing track in Sarawak, logistically it might not be viable. Our population is also small.

“However, if the races that we are looking at are Kart racing or small bike racing, I don’t think we need to invest in a permanent track what is very costly to build and maintain. How many races do we conduct in a year at this track? Two or three the most. The rest of the year would be for enthusiasts to do their spin.”

The Asajaya assemblyman was also unsure building a proper track would solve the “Mat Rempit” activities.

Silat exponents eyeing three gold

November 29, 2016

Abdul Karim (right) handing over the state flag to Fazzruddin as the state team look on.

KUCHING: The state silat contingent has set a target of three gold medals for the International Combat Festival to be held in Penang from Dec 1-4.

The eight athletes will contest in seven categories.

“Definitely our target is to win all categories contested, but we have to be realistic, which is why we target three gold medals,” Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) deputy president Fazruddin Abdul Rahman told reporters after receiving the state flag at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presented the flag.

Fazzruddin, who is also Tupong assemblyman, said taking part in this festival will further expose four in the team who competed in Sukma this year. RSS is busy with various competition organised locally held throughout the state.

“This is one of the approaches taken to unearth new talent and at the same time select players to represent our state at national competition.

FAM asked to address Sarawak’s high transport cost

November 29, 2016

KUCHING: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should look into the transportation cost faced by Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) whenever the Crocs play away matches.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state team has to bear a heavy cost of flying the state team for matches in the Peninsula. He noted that the problem is shared by both Sarawak and Sabah.

“Sabah and Sarawak suffer from the burden of cost incurred when there is an away match,” he told reporters yesterday.

As FAM is the national governing body, Karim stressed, they have to review and examine the matter seriously.

“We (Sarawak) and Sabah are the participants of the competition organised by FAM. “You can’t just let Sabah and Sarawak continue to be burdened by the high cost (without assistance).

On the upcoming FAM Annual General Meeting scheduled early next year, Karim said FAS ought to send a representative to voice this concern.

Abdul Karim: Number of students in Sarawak involved in drug abuse still low

November 19, 2016

KUCHING: The number of students involved in drug abuse in the state is still low compared with other states, says Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

This year to date, Sarawak recorded cases involving 17 students aged 14 and 18, six individuals from public institution of higher learning, and 12 from private institution of higher learning.

Abdul Karim disclosed this while chairing a meeting by the state Malaysian Substance Abuse Council (Masac) at Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here yesterday.

Wushu training centre ‘in the pipeline’

November 17, 2016

KUCHING: Sarawak wushu, which has continued to excel in Sukma and other national championships, deserves to have a centre for training athletes and hosting competitions.

Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who has commended the Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) for its good management and ability to produce good results, believes that the State government should seriously consider the association’s request for land to build the centre.

“On my side it is still in the preliminary stage because no land had been identified,” he revealed.

Kontinjen Sarawak mampu mencabar Kejohanan Wushu KPM, kata Abdul Karim

November 17, 2016

KUCHING: Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah optimis kontinjen wushu Sarawak mampu memberikan cabaran pada Kejohanan Wushu Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) yang akan berlangsung di Han Chiang High School, Pulau Pinang dari 18 hingga 20 November ini.

“Berdasarkan prestasi semasa atlet, saya yakin mereka mampu membawa banyak keputusan positif untuk Sarawak.

“Mereka masih muda, penuh keyakinan dan bersikap profesional dengan persembahan,” katanya semasa mengadakan lawatan ke Pusat Latihan Elit Wushu di Pusat Sukan Kota Sentosa kelmarin.

Great expectations: Sarawak’s 20 all set for KPM Wushu Championship in Penang

November 16, 2016

Karim (seventh right) and WFS officials gesture as the assistant minister hands over the state colours to Tiong (fifth right).

KUCHING: The Sarawak team are expected to do well in the Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) Wushu Championship at Han Chiang High School in Penang from Nov 18-20.

None other than Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed this confidence when he met the young athletes set to perform in the national junior meet that was revived after two years.

Karim having a light moment with some of the wushu exponents.

“Looking at the way that the athletes perform, I am very sure they can bring back a lot of “good things” for the state. They are very young, look so confident and so professional with their performance,” he said at the State Elite Training Centre at Kota Sentosa Sports Centre on Monday evening.

Accompanied by Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) president Allen Wong, deputy president James Ting and other officials, Karim also watched the young athletes in action during a training session.

The wushu exponents listen attentively to Karim.

Karim, also Assistant Housing Minister, said he was impressed by the young athletes who did not look jittery when executing their routines.

“Personally, I am very impressed by what I have seen tonight. If these are the kind of athletes that we have been grooming, I believe wushu in Sarawak and even Malaysia can go a long way.”

VICTORY IS OURS!!!

He also highlighted the commitment of WFS coaches and officials.

SWP may apply to join BN if subscribed to the struggle

November 16, 2016

 

SIBU: A PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says any party may apply to join BN if they subscribed to BN’s struggle.

“However, before applying, one needs to see whether their act could strengthen BN or it is done for some personal agenda," said Abdul Karim in reference to a claim by Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) that it has sent an application to join the coalition.

He added: “There are already four BN parties in Sarawak and I am unsure having another one would be an appropriate action.”

Meanwhile the State BN Secretary General Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi disclosed that he had not received any application from the party.

“(Furthermore) we have not discussed the matter,” Dr Rundi, who is Public Utilities Minister, told The Borneo Post yesterday when asked if he had received the application and on the status of the application.

In a press conference here last Saturday, SWP president Munan Laja claimed that they had sent the application but were yet to receive any feedback from BN.

Nonetheless, Munan was hopeful their application would be accepted as the party’s intention was to work with the BN in developing the state.

Anak-anak memerlukan tahap pendidikan setinggi yang mungkin

November 16, 2016

Datuk Abdul Karim bersalaman dengan pelajar SK Sebandi Ulu.

ASAJAYA: Ibubapa perlu ada hasrat untuk memberi pendidikan yang setinggi yang mungkin kepada anak-anak.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, ketika berucap di Majlis Graduasi dan Anugerah Kecermelangan SK Sebandi Ulu di Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Sebandi Ulu petang semalam, berkata hasrat ini perlu ada kerana keadaan dunia yang semakin memberi penekanan kepada pencapaian akademik.

Oleh itu, menurut beliau, anak-anak mesti dibantu agar berupaya untuk bersaing dalam dunia yang amat berbeza daripada sebelumnya.

Beliau berkata jika dulu sesuatu jawatan hanya memerlukan kelayakan SPM, kini ia memerlukan kelayakan yang lebih tinggi daripada itu.

Datuk Abdul Karim bersalaman dengan pelajar SK Sebandi Ulu.

Abdul Karim yang juga ADUN Asajaya menggesa ibubapa agar mengambil sikap ingin tahu terhadap aktiviti harian anak-anak mereka.

Beliau berkata ada banyak aktiviti-aktiviti yang boleh memesongkan fokus anak-anak muda sehingga menyebabkan mereka gagal untuk memberi perhatian yang sewajarnya terhadap pendidikan.

Pada masa yang sama, Abdul Karim turut menggesa ibubapa agar tidak menghalang anak-anak mereka membabitkan diri dengan aktiviti ko-kurikulum.

Karim gesa ibubapa galak anak bayar balik pinjaman PTPTN

November 15, 2016

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menggesa ibu bapa agar menggalakkan anak-anak yang sudah bekerja agar membayar balik pinjaman Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN).

Menurut beliau, PTPTN amat memerlukan pembayaran semula pinjaman memandangkan ia tidak mempunyai dana yang mencukupi untuk dipinjamkan kepada pemohon baru.

Beliau menambah isu pinjaman PTPTN memeningkan kerajaan kerana ramai yang gagal membayar semula pinjaman PTPTN mereka. 

Abdul Karim tidak menyatakan sebarang angka dalam ucapannya ketika merasmi Mini Konvokesyen Tabika KEMAS DUN N.15 Asajaya di Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan pagi tadi tetapi menurut sebuah akhbar nasional hari ini, seramai 753,058 PTPTN tak pernah bayar balik pinjaman PTPTN.

Pengerusi PTPTN Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah dilaporkan berkata masalah ini mengakibatkan pelajar baru tidak memperolehi pembiayaan 100 peratus seperti sebelum ini.

Abdul Karim, yang juga merupakan ADUN Asajaya, juga menggesa ibubapa agar tidak menghalang anak-anak mereka membabitkan diri dalam aktiviti ko-kurikulum.

Menurut beliau, selain daripada akademik, anak-anak juga memerlukan pendidikan berbentuk bukan akademik untuk berjaya dalam kehidupan.

Leaders welcome PM’s readiness to discuss MA63

November 13, 2016

KUCHING: State Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have welcomed the readiness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to discuss the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the readiness shown by Najib showed that the Prime Minister is practical.

“I am sure he can feel how the people of Sarawak and Sabah feel. It is good for him to reciprocate and come up with this statement that he is willing to discuss with Sabah and Sarawak leaders on MA63 if this agreement had been misinterpreted by Putrajaya all these years,” he said yesterday.

“I am sure this statement from him will go a long way in building a more prosperous and united Malaysia.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, said that the form of discussion between the federal government and state governments of Sabah and Sarawak must done in the right manner.

“In what form (will the discussions be held); within the four walls, or in the open via the State Legislative Assemblies of Sabah and Sarawak. This we need to know,” he said.

“I would prefer the discussion on MA63 within the four walls. Then, Putrajaya and the two East Malaysia states will have serious and meaningful discussions on important matters without input from the opposition, who will certainly politicise the matters just for the sake of publicity.”

Galeri:

November 13, 2016

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/11/13/abg-johari-sarawaks-future-very-bright/

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg  (second left) in jovial mood meeting the youths together with (from right) Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Associate Prof Dr Jeniri Amir and Minister of Sports, Youth and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin.

Galeri: Opening ceremony of state-level Youth Day 2016

November 13, 2016

Youth Icon award recipients and others in a photocall with Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin (standing at fifth left).

Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin presents a mock cheque to Pandelela Rinong. Looking on are Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister for Solidarity Rosey Yunus.

Empowering youths to excel

November 12, 2016

Naroden (fourth right) with Abdul Karim on his right and other guests cutting the ribbon to launch the exhibition.

KUCHING: The government will continue to empower youths through skills training and provide them opportunities to excel.

Assistant Minister for Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was in line with the government’s aspiration to see youths succeed and participate in developing the state.

He added that while it was good for youths to excel in sports, arts and involved in recreational activities, it was equally important for them to become successful entrepreneurs.

“We (government) are really in need of youths who are multi-skilled and farsighted to develop family, state, country and society….so programmes and activities to empower youths will become a continuous agenda of the government,” he assured yesterday.

He told reporters this after a walk-about to the exhibition booths at the compound of the State Indoor Stadium in conjunction with the state level Youth Day Celebration 2016.

Besides the exhibition booths, a ‘Showcase Usahawan Belia Sarawak’ was also held at Stadium Negeri carpark in conjunction with the celebration, which was launched by Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais yesterday.

Naroden told reporters that the exhibition was important to expose youths to explore the various business opportunities available to them.

Abdul Karim warns against abuse of social media

November 9, 2016 

SIBU: Those abusing the online social media to create ill feeling between the federal and state governments or stir racial or religious tension were yesterday given a stern warning.

In telling them to watch out, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police to monitor such activities and bring those responsible to book.

Abdul Karim was reacting to a fake Facebook posting that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had threatened to withdraw Sarawak from Malaysia, which went viral recently.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday refuted the claims made in the posting, which it said were intended to create a rift and ill-feeling between the state and federal governments.

It denied that Adenan had ever made any public statement to threaten to secede from Malaysia if the federal government did not solve some problems raised openly by the chief minister.

“Social media users who commit despicable acts of creating racial or religious tension, spreading untruth stories, promoting treasonable acts against the King or our beloved nation or pitting the states in the Federation against each other or against the federal government; they better beware.

“The long arm of the law will sooner or later catch up with them. Likewise, media users who tried to use the social media to create tension between the chief minister and the federal government… by maliciously quoting Adenan giving ultimatum to Putra Jaya to ‘return’ Sarawak’s right lest he (Adenan) would seek to take Sarawak out of Malaysia is most despicable and downright malicious,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, pointed out.

RTM is still relevant — Karim

November 5, 2016

Karim (third left) and Salmah (fourth right) together with RTM senior officers place their palms on the globe in a symbolic gesture to declare open the Sehati @RTM Berambeh.

KUCHING: Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) is still relevant and plays an important role in disseminating accurate information, news and provides entertainment via television and radio for the general public.

Assistant minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah commended RTM Sarawak for fulfilling its duty and responsibility to meet the different needs of the multiracial community since its establishment.

“We are all very familiar with RTM as many generations have grown with the station. The station has provided many programmes in different languages to reach out to its viewers and listeners,” he said whern officiating at the Sehati @RTM Berambeh programme held at the RTM compound yesterday.

“Such is the identity of this organisation that’s sensitive towards the needs of the people in Sarawak’s diverse community,” he added.

On the four-day Berambeh programme that started on Nov 3 featuring many activities and events from sports, leisure to entertainment, Karim said he was amazed by the high spirit of RTM staffs in bringing and uniting the community and RTM together.

“The efforts put in are huge despite the small number of staffs. There are varieties of activity that suit the entire family. So congratulation for such a successful event,” he added.

Earlier, RTM Sarawak director Salmah Ibrahim Melina pointed out that the main objective of the Berambeh event was to reach out to the general public and bring them closer to RTM.