DYNAMIC LINE-UP: Abang Johari perceives the Saberkas new line-up for the 2013-2016 term as representative of a young and dynamic team of professionals. Also seen is Saberkas secretary-general Datuk Aidan (right).
KUCHING: Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg retained his post as president of Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) which also saw the election of a new deputy-president and three new vice-presidents.
State Legislative Assembly (DUN) deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn who was formerly a vice-president took up the role as deputy-president to replace Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Betong MP decided not to seek re-election due to his commitment in Putrajaya as Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. Abang Johari mentioned that Uggah will continue to help with the development of Saberkas as the latter has planned to set up a palm oil seedling project which will involve the association.
The three newly elected vice-presidents are Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi and Samariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali who is the first woman elected as a vice-president of Saberkas.
The trio replaced former International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Datuk Naroden Majais, Jason Tai Hee and Sagah. Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin was re-elected as vice-president.
Saberkas secretary-general Datuk Aidan Wing and deputy secretary-general Dato Paul Teo Choo Tee also retained their respective posts. The new committee, to serve for the 2013-2016 term, also saw the election of 25 new ordinary exco-members which included Engkilili assemblyman Johnical Rayong Ngipa.
“I hope that Saberkas would be able to continue playing its role to help the government and youths in the state mainstream development up to the year 2030.