Be more sensitive in dealing with people, Mara told

May 3, 2014

SIBU: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has been urged to be more sensitive in its approach in dealing with people as Malaysia is a multi-racial country of different faiths.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday any improper and insensitive actions would not be facilitating the 1Malaysia agenda of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“I am surprised that Mara interviewers were asking Islamic religious questions for scholarship interviewees without counter checking the background of those they were interviewing.

“Mara should be more sensitive in its approach and know that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country,” he told The Borneo Post.

Abdul Karim was referring to a recent incident, where a straight As student, Nigel Unchat Jeremaiah, claimed that he had participated in an ‘open question-and-answer session’, which touched on Islamic religious subjects.

Nigel was further reported to have claimed that candidates were asked on Islamic matters such as their understanding and opinion on the Hudud law, ‘rukun Solat’ and ‘adat menziarah jenazah’ among others.

Abdul Karim said he was unsure whether those religious questions were standard and mandatory interview questions and if they were, he felt sorry for Mara.

Karim: Budget emphasises skills training because not all can go to universities

October 8, 2011

KUCHING: Youths stand to benefit from the allocations for skills training and sports facilities in Budget 2012, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.

He said the RM200mil allocated for skills training for youths who do not continue their schooling was a good move by the Federal Government.

“We cannot expect all youths to be able to go to university, so there is a need for vocational or skills training for those who don’t continue their schooling. This will enhance the development of youths and help them to assimilate into society with useful skills,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced yesterday that the RM200mil allocation under the Strategic Action for Youth (SAY 1 Malaysia) programme would provide skills training to be conducted by institutions such as community colleges, Institut Kemahiran Mara, Institut Latihan Perindustrian and Giat Mara. Trainees would be given practical training in government-linked and private companies to enable them to secure employment.

Karim welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of RM320mil to implement skills training, leadership programmes, resilience and entrepreneurship for youths at state and district levels.

He was also happy that funds would be allocated for more futsal and football facilities to be built.

“Futsal and football are sports of interest among youths today. In my constituency, practically every kampung is asking for a futsal court. Most of the kampung youths love futsal, so I’m glad that the Government is sensitive to their needs,” the Asajaya assemblyman said.