‘Cobbold John a true Sarawakian’

March 8, 2019

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the late Cobbold John Lusoi as a true Sarawakian.

“Though we are in different turf of politics, I find him very passionate in his struggle for Sarawak and Iban (community), and he was a nice guy,” the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports said yesterday, while expressing his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Cobbold, the president of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB), passed away yesterday morning at his residence in Kuala Lumpur due to heart failure.

Sarawak PH accepting Bersatu won’t change anything – Karim

February 24, 2019

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says the state Pakatan Harapan (PH) decision to accept Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will not change its political scenario.

He pointed out that even though Bersatu has joined the coalition in the state, it would still be dominated by Democratic Action Party (DAP).

“Any different from the previous set up?…nothing because it will still be dominated by DAP and the state PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen calling the shot and dictating to other Bumiputera based parties,” he said yesterday.

Abdul Karim ‘sad’ at how PKR S’wak leaders are treated

November 20, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he felt ‘sad’ for Sarawakian leaders in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) over their treatment in the Peninsula-based parties.

Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, was referring to outgoing PKR Sarawak chairman Baru Bian who was ticked off by his own party president and Julau MP Larry Sng being booed at the 13th PKR National Congress last weekend.

“I pity Baru Bian for being reprimanded and ticked off by the party and its president for putting the nation and his ministry’s work before that of the party. I guess by now, he would know what ‘Malayan style’ politics is. It’s always ‘Party First, Nation Second’.

Abdul Karim: S’wakians will reject non local-based parties

September 4, 2018

KUCHING: Sarawakians want only Sarawak-based parties and Sarawakian leaders to lead and manage Sarawak, says state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president said he has trust and faith in Sarawakian voters to continue supporting the local coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as they do not like to be pushed around and be given empty promises.

“The forthcoming state election will be the same…I have my trust and faith in Sarawakian voters who do not like to be pushed around and be given empty promises, especially on the return of state’s rights and (autonomy over) our oil and gas.

Abdul Karim dismisses PKR’s plan to take over Sarawak govt as ‘wishful thinking’

August 28, 2018

SIBU: Miri MP Dr Michael Teo’s statement about Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) taking over Sarawak government come the next state election is just ‘wishful thinking’, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

According to the minister, PKR Sarawak has been expressing the same confidence in every Sarawak state election or general election (GE).

In his recent remarks, Dr Teo called upon PKR members in the three state constituencies under Baram parliamentary area, to play their roles towards enabling PKR take over the Sarawak government in the next state election.

The Miri MP expressed his confidence that PKR should be able to take over Petra Jaya – regarded as the seat of the Sarawak government – if all constituencies could work harder than before, as he highlighted Baram as one of PKR’s strongest divisions.

Abdul Karim clarifies ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ remark

July 17, 2018

Abdul Karim (second right) shaking hands with Wong after the joint press conference. 

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had to clear the air on his remark ‘beggars cannot be choosers’, which is believed to have offended some constituents in the opposition areas.

At a press conference yesterday, he said he did not refer to any particular person and clarified that “sometimes quotes are given in jest”.

“Definitely, the honourable members from DAP (Democratic Action Party) and PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) are not beggars, they are elected representatives,” he said at the media centre after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly.

Chong should focus more on Sarawak’s welfare than on polls — Abdul Karim

July 17, 2018

SIBU: Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism Chong Chieng Jen should focus more on the welfare of Sarawak and its development, than on politics and elections, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In this regard, Abdul Karim points out that there is a long way to go before the expiry of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN)’s present term.

“The DAP (Democratic Action Party) Sarawak only has politics in mind. YB Chong should get down to work as a deputy minister, and should not bother thinking about the state election – unless he is also thinking about wanting to be the Chief Minister,” he said yesterday in response to Chong’s statement about DAP Sarawak staking its claim on 29 out of the total 82 seats in the next Sarawak state election, which might be called in the first quarter of 2021.

PPBM intends to split Sarawakians, asserts PBB leader

June 27, 2018

KUCHING, June 27: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (PPBM) intention to expand to Sarawak was to split Sarawakians.

The ultimate aim, he added, was to seize control of the state after dividing its people into small factions.

“It (PPBM) just wants to come over to split us into small fractions. It is here to split the Bumiputera. It does not want to see Sarawakians staying united,” Abdul Karim told DayakDaily today.

No reason for PPBM to enter Sarawak, unless Mahathir doesn't trust the state PH

June 26, 2018

KUCHING, June 26: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM)’s plan to enter Sarawak can be perceived as Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the peninsula not trusting its Sarawak counterpart.

This is how state Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah puts it: “Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent announcement that PPBM is considering opening up branches in Sarawak could mean that he does not believe (in) the local base PH coalition.”

Speaking to reporters after attending the Rainforest Fringe Festival 2018 briefing, Abdul Karim opined that since the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) were already here, there should be no reason for Dr Mahathir to bring his party (PPBM) to Sarawak, unless he does not trust the local base PH.

Abdul Karim: Mawan knows ground sentiment in Saratok

January 26, 2018

KUCHING: Tan Sri William Mawan, the incumbent Saratok MP, has never expressed his desire to leave Barisan Nasional, says senior Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leader Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“He knows the ground sentiments in Saratok well and, as rightly said by him, whoever aspires to lobby for that seat must have the ground support.

“It would be pointless to contest the seat just because the seat is given based on the ‘quota’ as agreed under the BN coalition, but only to lose the seat to the opposition,” said Abdul Karim through a press statement yesterday.

‘Slamming of Umno-PAS pact by opposition reeks of hypocrisy’

October 15, 2017

SIBU: DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen and state PKR chairman Baru Bian should not become the ‘stooges of unhealthy politics of the west’, and that they need to relook at themselves before questioning Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN).

In making this statement, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the condemnation by Chong and Baru of the purported Umno-PAS alliance only showed their hypocrisy, in that PAS was once under the Pakatan pact.

He recalled that when PAS was in Pakatan, it was regarded as a loyal partner and nothing was mentioned about it being ‘an evil party’.

Abdul Karim foresees Pakatan Harapan Sarawak breaking up soon

March 21, 2017

SIBU: It is just a matter of time before members of the newly formed Pakatan Harapan Sarawak scramble for seats and fight each other as they have different agendas and goals.

Hence, whether it is Pakatan Rakyat or Pakatan Harapan or Pakatan with or without PAS or Pakatan with or without Amanah makes no difference to Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) or the people of Sarawak, said Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“It is just a loose pact of political parties which have separate agendas and goals in their struggle. 

This loose pact is just meant for the 14th general election…unlike BN, where the coalition is permanent and having a common BN struggle for the people’s wellbeing and the nation.

“Pakatan pact can be easily summarised as a pack of political parties sleeping together but having different dreams. 

THANK YOU to Sarawak PKR and its chairman Baru Bian

January 27, 2017

KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been credited for its commitment in not contesting in the upcoming Tanjong Datu by-election.

Assistant Minister for Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said by not contesting in the by-election, PKR had shown maturity in their political struggle and also showed that it did not oppose just for the sake of opposing.

“I would like to thank the state PKR and Baru Bian (Ba Kelalan assemblyman and state PKR chairman) for their gracious commitment in not contesting

in Tanjong Datu by-election as a mark of respect for (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri) Adenan (Satem) and for his effort to bring back our diminished rights. Such effort will go a long way in uniting Sarawakians,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Baru, in announcing the party’s decision not to contest in Tanjong Datu by-election on Wednesday, said it was a gesture to let Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government continue implementing the vision and policies that Adenan made for Sarawak while he was the chief minister.

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.

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.”

Bill murder probe: Don’t meddle with police work, Ling told

July 14, 2016

SIBU: Sarawak DAP secretary Alan Ling should leave it to the police to investigate the murder of PKR Miri secretary Bill Kayong instead of interfering.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in stating this yesterday, said Ling, being a lawyer, should know it is vital for investigation to be completed before someone is charged.

“The police are still investigating the case, and Ling should not give the impression they are ‘hiding’ something by calling the police to disclose the mastermind,” said Abdul Karim.

“Let the police handle the case, and do not interfere or make assumptions that could mislead the public.”

Abdul Karim said he, like Ling and all Sarawakians, wanted to see justice prevail in this case.

“The murderers must be brought to justice,” he said.

The Asajaya assemblyman also expected Ling to know that the proper venue for the matter to be settled was in court, not the media.

‘Stop the name calling, have respect for democracy’

May 12, 2016

KUCHING: Two BN leaders yesterday blasted ill-mannered netizens for insulting Sarawakians for making the ‘wrong’ choice in the May 7 polls.

Asajaya assembyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described them as ‘stupid and moronic’ while state BN Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Abdullah Saidol called them ‘sore losers’.

In the election, BN won 72 of the 82 seats, while the DAP won seven and PKR three.

Re-elected Asajaya assembyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the people of Sarawak had made their choice, and their choice should be respected.

“No calling of names or using of derogatory terms to refer to Sarawakian voters should be done if this so-called netizens respect democracy. It is sad that there are uncultured netizens who think that only voting the opposition is the right move while voting for BN is wrong,” he said when contacted yesterday.

“How stupid and moronic can some netizens be. The recent Sarawak State Election is one of the cleanest and fairest elections ever.”

Abdul Karim pointed out that the dates of the dissolution, nomination and polling were all known beforehand and the opposition had ample time to prepare.

Karim yakin pertahankan kerusi DUN Asajaya

April 25, 2016

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bergambar bersama-sama (dari kiri) Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Menteri Besar Perak Dato' Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambry bin Abdul Kadir dan Timbalan Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia Dato' Jailani Johari sebelum memasuki dewan penamaan calon di SMK Hajjah Laila Taib.

ASAJAYA: Calon Barisan Nasional Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yakin Barisan Nasional mampu mempertahankan kerusi DUN Asajaya dalam pilihanraya negeri.

Berarak ke SMK Hajjah Laila Taib dari perkarangan Masjid Darul Rahmah di Kampung Tambirat Lot.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemuramah oleh wartawan selepas selesai sesi pengumuman calon-calon pilihanraya untuk DUN Asajaya di SMK Hajjah Laila Taib pagi tadi.

Berarak ke SMK Hajjah Laila Taib dari perkarangan Masjid Darul Rahmah di Kampung Tambirat Lot.

Apabila ditanya tentang para pengundi Asajaya yang menetap di luar DUN Asajaya, Abdul Karim mengingatkan mereka agar menunaikan tanggungjawab mereka sebagai pengundi di hari mengundi kelak.

Mohd Ali moved to Stakan, Karim to defend Asajaya

April 4, 2016

Adenan lifts the hands of Karim (left) and Mohd Ali after they were confirmed as candidates for Asajaya and Stakan respectively.

Adenan admiring a framed photo of himself when
he was attending a World Health Day celebration
in Samarahan in 1987.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: As speculated, Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mahmud will be fielded in the new constituency of Stakan in the coming state election.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who announced this during the launching of PBB Samarahan election machinery in Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan yesterday, however, did not reveal the candidate for Muara Tuang. With Mohd Ali, who has been Muara Tuang assemblyman for two terms, moving to Stakan, this means Muara Tuang will have a new face from PBB.

Adenan also announced that Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah will defend Asajaya, the seat he has represented since 2001. Asajaya, Muara Tuang and Stakan are under the Samarahan constituency.

Adenan entertains the crowd by singing a song before the function starts

“For Muara Tuang, leave it to me to decide. Do you agree with me?” he asked the crowd, which was immediately met with voices of their approval. Talks are rife that PBB supreme council member and former senator Datuk Idris Buang

PBB Muara Tuang Deputy Chairman cum State
PBB Youth Treasurer Hamzah Ibrahim leads
the pledge of loyalty to the party. 

would be fielded in Muara Tuang. Muara Tuang is no strange land to Adenan who was its assemblyman from 1978 to 2006.

On another matter, Adenan reiterated that PBB would contest in 40 seats in the coming polls.

He added that if PBB won all 40 seats, the party could get a simple majority to form the government with several seats from other BN components, but he said that was not what the party was aiming for. “We don’t want a simple win. We want the win to be as big as possible.”

He also mentioned that the 11 new seats were being distributed based on 5-2-2-2 formula with the other three BN components.

Abdul Karim flays Chong over Citizen’s Declaration

March 9, 2016

SIBU: Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday described state DAP chairman Chong Chieng’s recent statement on Citizen’s Declaration as full of malice towards BN.

The Asajaya assemblyman lambasted Chong for saying that the declaration was a good development which would lead to a breakup of BN.

“BN supporters in Sarawak must always remember this when they go voting soon. DAP is only out to bring down the government, be it the BN state government or the federal government. Nothing that CM Adenan (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) did matter to them,” said Abdul Karim.

He added: “They even go to the extent of saying that a vote for Adenan is a vote for Najib.”

Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian too has called for the declaration to be given a chance to be heard and understood.

The state PKR chairman said the signing of the declaration should be seen as a positive step in the fight to restore the dignity of the country and save it from absolute ruination by the current government.

Baru was reported to have said he wholly supported the demands made in the declaration.