The show must go on, says Karim on FAS crisis

October 12, 2017

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants the crisis facing Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) resolved so that Sarawak remains in the Malaysian Football League.

Last Saturday, FAS announced that Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has denied Sarawak the licence to play in next year’s league due mainly to its failure to meet financial requirements and submit an audit statement from the previous FAS management.

This was followed by a response from the former president Datu Sudarsono Osman who asked the current leadership “not to blame others for your situation.”

Minister says coach’s temporary rest unfortunate

July 14, 2017

KUCHING: Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was unfortunate that David Usop has decided to take a rest as Sarawak head coach.

“It is just unfortunate that he stepped down after two or three (recent consecutive defeats) matches.

“Probably, he might have set his own key-performance indicator (KPI) and if he can’t reach that KPI, he might step down,” Abdul Karim told reporters after his visit to Sarawak Museum Campus at its site office here yesterday.

‘Learn a lesson from the football riot’

October 9, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The riot that broke out after the Sarawak-Perak football match in August should be a lesson for everyone to learn from.

Abdul Karim (fourth right) hands over sacrificial meat to a recipient. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), stadium authority and other agencies responsible for security such as the police would have learned something from the incident, which saw seven police cars damaged, including one that was set on fire.

“It’s not that we want to point fingers at anyone but I believe the riot would not have occurred if FAS, the police and stadium authority had taken pre-emptive action prior to the match.

“To me the incident actually has something to do with the match between Perak and Sarawak in Ipoh before that and those unhappy were just waiting for the right timing to express their unhappiness,” he told reporters after distributing sacrificial meat to Muslims from neighbouring villages at Samarahan Federal Complex yesterday.

He said some Sarawak fans and supporters had even posted on social media that they would create trouble.

“I was not around when the incident happened because I was in the peninsula but from the way I look at it, it was something pre planned.

“So if the authorities had been able to pre-empt or anticipate what was likely going to happen instead of ignoring the fiery comments by some people in social media,” he stated.

Karim gesa PDRM dan FAS peka perkembangan penyokong di laman sosial

October 9, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Pihak yang bertanggungjawab terhadap perlawanan bola sepak skuad negeri tidak boleh lalai lagi dalam menguruskan kawalan keselamatan di stadium agar tidak berulangnya kejadian rusuhan penyokong.

Menegaskan perkara tersebut, Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata polis dan Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS) amnya harus melakukan persiapan yang lebih rapi di dalam aspek keselamatan pada masa akan datang.

“Saya tidak mahu menuding jari kepada sesiapa tetapi saya rasa berlaku kelonggaran terhadap cara mengawal serta mengawasi keadaan keselamatan ketika itu,” katanya berhubung kejadian rusuhan penyokong di stadium yang lepas sehingga memusnahkan harta benda stadium dan juga kenderaan polis.

Beliau ditemui selepas menyempurnakan majlis pengagihan daging korban di Wisma Persekutuan Samarahan di sini, semalam.

Selain itu, Karim berkata FAS dan polis khususnya juga harus peka terhadap perkembangan penyokong bola sepak menerusi laman sosial seperti facebook dan juga blog.

Jelas beliau, kejadian rusuhan penyokong yang lepas merupakan susulan daripada ketegangan penyokong Sarawak di Ipoh semasa menyaksikan perlawanan pasukan negeri menentang tuan rumah, Perak dan ia sudah pun tersebar di laman facebook.

Tanpa disedari, katanya disebabkan momentum balas demdam yang membara di kalangan penyokong Sarawak, ia telah menjadi faktor utama bagi rusuhan tersebut.

Karim: FAM and police should have been better prepared

September 1, 2014

‘FAM, cops should have been better prepared for any untoward incident’ - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahmah Hamzah

The burnt police vehicle.

KUCHING: Police have caught five youths for allegedly sparking a riot at the State Stadium here on Saturday shortly after the Sarawak-Perak Malaysia Cup match ended 1-1.

Eleven people, including five policemen, were hurt in the mayhem that resulted in seven police vehicles damaged, including one overturned and another burnt.

Four of the six females, aged between six and 15, who were hurt while helping to man their family stalls. The other two were spectators.

The five male suspects, aged between 17 and 20 are now placed under remand until Sept 4. Two of them are from here and the rest from Samarahan.

Insiden rusuhan amat mendukacitakan: Karim

September 1, 2014

KUCHING: Insiden keganasan atau rusuhan bola sepak yang berlaku ketika perlawanan antara Sarawak dan Perak di Stadium Negeri malam kelmarin adalah suatu yang amat mendukacitakan.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata kejadian tersebut tidak sepatutnya berlaku dan berpendapat seorang penyokong yang bertanggungjawab sepatutnya bijak mengawal perasaan dan emosi.

Justeru, beliau menyatakan tindakan merusuh dan merosakkan harta benda awam (vandalisme) merupakan suatu kesalahan yang serius dan pihak yang bertanggungjawab melakukannya dikenakan tindakan sewajarnya.

Karim lauds decision by FAS to get tough with hooligans

February 14, 2014

SIBU: The decision of Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to get tough with ‘hooligans’ causing disturbances or engaging in unruly behaviour has the support of Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said: “Soccer matches are for all fans to appreciate, be entertained and support.

“If there are some, who come with intention to create havoc or be a nuisance, they should not be there at the stadium.

“I am all for this tough measures against hooligans in football matches.”

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said yesterday: “All matches are conducted by professional referees and match officials.

“If there any foul were committed during a match, it is for these officials to make their decision.

Crocs parade squad, unveil kit

 January 10, 2014

Sarawak’s players and officials pose during the unveiling and sponsorship signing ceremony with Sarawak Energy (SEB) at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya on Wednesday.

KUCHING: Sarawak paraded its squad of 26 players for the new season to the fans at Stadium Perpaduan last Wednesday night.

Among the fans who turned up to cheer their team were members of two fan groups, GB13 and Red Army 88.

The Crocs also unveiled their new kit for this season and sales booths for the new merchandises were set up just outside the venue.

Peter Moni, who is president of the Sarawak Football Fans Club (SFFC), the official fan club for the Crocs, and other club members also attended the event.

“This is the time that we get to see the players up close and personal.

“Our club members would not want to miss this chance,” he said.

Sudarsono (second right), Abdul Karim (second left) and Torstein (right) giving their thumbs up for the new kit. Also seen is FAS deputy president Datu Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki (left).

Assistant minister of Youth Development and Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated at the ceremony.

Karim said he was happy with the performance of the team last season, noting that they a uniting factor among fans in the state.

“When the Crocs play, Sarawakians come together, mingling and cheering side by side with each other for the team. For me, the scenario was indeed beautiful as everybody were united regardless of their race, background, religion or political affiliation,” he enthused.

Among others who were at the event were Exco members of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) and the managerial staff members of the Sarawak Energy.

FAS’ delegation was led by President Datu Sudarsono Osman while Sarawak Energy was led by their Chief Executive Officer Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit.

Sarawak Energy is Sarawak’s main sponsor for the coming season.

Let there be new talents

December 08, 2013

KUCHING: Sponsorship programme by the private sector can be developed further to enable Sarawak to attain their highest level in development in football for the future.

Through the sponsorship, the Sarawak FA will be able to identify new players from the youth to play at the State level, said Assistant Minister Youth Development, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Isuzu Cup Under 19 Sarawak sponsorship between the Sarawak FA and Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Abdul Karim said new players for the Sarawak team will come from such sponsorships programme to help spur the development of the sport.

Later, Isuzu Malaysia presented a mock cheque for RM100,000 to the Sarawak FA.

“We need to follow through this kind of sponsorship programme to work out for more tournaments for this is where the development of future players come from.

“We hope from the under-19 development programme, Sarawak will be able to identify new players for the State team to bring football to another level,” said Karim who also thanked Isuzu for coming up with such an idea to help in the development of football in the State.

Senior manager, Vehicle Sales of Isuzu Malaysia, Junaidy Sulaiman in his address hoped the RM100,000 sponsorship will be an impetus for the state in aid of development efforts and to unearth new talents.

Eight youth teams vie for Isuzu Cup

December 8, 2013

COMMON GOAL: Abu Bakar (far right) receiving the mock cheque from Junaidy (far left) during the signing ceremony between FAS and Isuzu Malaysia yesterday while Sudarsono (second, right), Abdul Karim (centre) and Tay looks on.

KUCHING: Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) hopes to break new ground with the Isuzu Cup which kicks off on Dec 15.

FAS president Datu Sudarsono Osman is hoping that the state-wide Under-19 tournament will be a key avenue to unearth new talents.

He was speaking to reporters during a sponsorship signing ceremony at the Dewan Masyarakat MBKS here yesterday as he thanked Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd for their generous support.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was present to witness the ceremony.

Rhino Motors general manager David Tay was also present.

Isuzu Malaysia has set aside RM100,000 to sponsor the tournament which is jointly organised by FAS and Samarahan Division Football Association (PBBS).

FAS deputy president Datu Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki, who is chairman of the tournament organising committee, received a mock-cheque from the Isuzu Malaysia.

Galeri: CM congratulates Crocs for Premier League triumph

August 5, 2013

JUBILANT MOOD: Taib (second left) receives the 2013 Premier League trophy from Sarawak captain Mohd Shjahrol Saperi.

Bala peminat ngerami pemenang Tim Sarawak ba Liga Premier 2013

June 30, 2013

KUCHING: Urung 1,000 iku peminat begelumu di Padang Merdeka kemari ngerami pemujur tim main bol Sarawak nyadi champian Liga Premier 2013.

Raban pemain enggau staf pematih mai tropi champion berengkah ari Jalai Tun Abdul Rahman nuju Padang Merdeka.

Presiden Gerempung Bolasepak Sarawak (FAS) Datu Sudarsono Osman madah, semengat baru udah dipandangka peminat main bol Sarawak lalu mujur ngangkatka semengat pemain.

“Penyukung Sarawak amat manah lalu meri semengat baru ngagai raban pemain ngambika bebendar agi bemain ba atas padang,” ku iya.

Ku iya nambah, pemujur Sarawak nyadi champian ukai sebengkah pekara ti mudah ke alai tiap iku pemain enggau pematih udah bebendar bejalaika tanggung pengawa diri ngambika mujur dalam semua pekit.

Sebedau liga berengkah, FAS netapka tagit nyadi champian liga, bemain ba Liga Super lalu enda alah ba tiap main dalam liga, tandu Sudarsono.

“Dua tagit udah dijapai, tagit ke penudi iya nya ngenanka rikut enda kala alah,” ku iya.

Crocs parade trophy to thousands of cheering fans

June 30, 2013

“The Sarawak team needs your support to go to greater heights."
-Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

CUP OF DREAM: Sarawak captain Shahrol Shaperi lifts the cup to the main stand after their arrival. 
— Photos by Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Thousands of Sarawak football fans jam the Padang Merdeka in the heart of the city to cheer the state team as they parade the Premier League trophy they won in an unbeaten run with one more match to play, yesterday afternoon.

The arrival of the players and coaches in an open deck tram was heralded with much fanfare by the hard-core fans, the Sarawak Ultras, who also call themselves GB13.

The supporters, some of whom gathered there in the morning, lined up the roads and streets as the tram wound its way past the Kuching Waterfront to Padang Merdeka where thousands more fans were waiting.

Sarawak Football Association (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman in his speech thanked the supporters for standing by the team even when they were relegated from Super League last year.

“The fans were amazing as they continued to stay behind us. This trophy actually belongs to all the fans who stood behind us,” said Sudarsono.

He revealed that during the team motivational camp early January this year coach Robert Alberts challenged the team to win the Premier League title undefeated to move back to the Super League next season.

Karim bangga dengan prestasi FA Sarawak

June 30, 2013

“Kejayaan ini tidak datang bergolek kerana ia menuntut komitmen jitu FAS dan pemain.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

BERSEJARAH: Peminat bola sepak Sarawak tidak melepaskan peluang menyentuh piala Liga Premier 2013 yang dijulang Mohd Shahrol Saperi. — Gambar Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Lebih 1,000 peminat membanjiri Padang Merdeka semalam untuk meraikan kejayaan pasukan bola sepak Sarawak menjuarai Liga Premier 2013.

Program meraikan kejayaan itu bermula dengan persembahan kelab penyo-kong yang menyanyikan beberapa lagu pencetus semangat pemain yang kebiasaannya berkumandang di Stadium Negeri.

Para pemain dan staf kejurulatihan kemudiannya membawa piala bersejarah itu berarak dari Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman ke Padang Merdeka.

Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS) Datu Sudarsono Osman berkata, semangat baharu ditampilkan peminat bola sepak Sarawak dan berjaya meningkatkan semangat pemain untuk berjuang di padang.

“Penyokong Sarawak memang hebat dan memainkan peranan untuk mencetus semangat baharu kepada pemain bagi menampilkan prestasi lebih cemerlang,” katanya.

Menurutnya, kejayaan Sarawak merangkul kejuaraan itu bukan kebetulan kerana setiap pemain dan jurulatih berusaha keras untuk memperolehi kejayaan dalam perlawanan.

Tambahnya, sebelum liga bermula, FAS sudah menetapkan sasaran untuk menjuarai liga, layak ke Liga Super dan bermain tanpa kalah sepanjang saingan liga.

Gelanggang cungkil bakat pemain

May 4, 2013

USAHA mencungkil bakat pemain perlu bermula di peringkat akar umbi. 

Pendekatan tersebut amat bersesuaian sebagai jejantas kearah memperkasa program pembangunan sukan bola sepak setempat. Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) N.14 Asajaya, Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, langkah yang tepat dilaksanakan Persatuan Bola Sepak Bahagian Samarahan (PBBS) menerusi satu lagi acara berprestij Kejohanan Bola Sepak Juara-Juara Piala Eastdeal Samarahan 2013 yang melabuhkan tirainya di Padang Bola sepak Kampung Sambir, Asajaya hujung minggu lalu.

Menurut Karim, beliau dapat melihat hasilnya menerusi aktiviti yang merupakan salah satu kejohanan teras dalam kalendar badan induk berkenaan (PBBS) musim ini dengan kebanjiran ramai pemain berbakat.

Sekali gus akan memberi ruang mahupun peluang kepada pemain terlibat dalam mengetengahkan bakat yang ada. “ Satu pujian harus diberikan kepada PBBS atas usaha murni mereka mengelolakan kejohanan tersebut yang secara tidak langsung dapat membuka peluang kepada pemain terlibat untuk terus mengetengahkan bakat mereka,” kata Karim dalam ucapan ringkasnya. 

Beliau sesudah itu diberi penghormatan menyempurnakan majlis penutupan rasmi kejohanan terbabit.

Hadir sama pada majlis tersebut Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS), Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Setiausaha Agung FAS, Abdullah Julaihi, Presiden dan Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bola sepak Bahagian Kuching (PBBS), Ir Haidel Heli dan Ir Haji Ismawi Muhammad, Pemangku Pegawai Daerah Asajaya, Zulkifli Yusuf, Setiausaha Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Cawangan N.14 Asajaya, Encik Buang Bolhassan, Ketua Pemuda PBB Ranting Kampung Tanjung Parang, Haji Mohd. Iskana Bujang, Penasihat Dewan Usahawan Bumpiutera Sarawak (DUBS) Cawangan Samarahan, Abang Ideris Abang Haji Jamali serta ketua-ketua masyarakat mewakili kampung sekitar kawasan terbabit.

Dalam pada itu, Karim berharap kejohanan terbabit dapat diteruskan pelaksanaannya pada masa akan datang kerana yakin dapat menjadikan daerah kecil Asajaya sebagai penyumbang kelahiran pemain bola sepak berprestasi tinggi. 

Sambir kalahkan Serian untuk julang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan

April 30, 2013

RAI KEJUARAAN: Abdullah, Zulkifli, Abdul Karim dan Haidel bersama-sama dengan penduduk Kampung Sambir meraikan kemenangan Team Boss di Kampung Sambir, Ahad lalu.

KUCHING: Pasukan handalan dari Sambir, Team Boss menjulang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan 2013 selepas menundukkan wakil dari Serian, KBLH Gedong dengan 1-0 pada perlawanan akhir di Padang Bola Sepak Kampung Sambir, Asajaya kelmarin (Ahad).

Gol pasukan tuan rumah dijaringkan oleh penjaring terbanyak kejohanan, Yusri Hafizan Wahap pada minit ke-35 pada separuh masa kedua.

Kejayaan itu memastikan skuad bimbingan Jalek Japar meraih hadiah lumayan wang tunai berjumlah RM3,000 berserta piala dan pingat.

Manakala KBLH Gedong yang turut menampilkan aksi cemerlang pada saingan suku dan separuh akhir menerima RM1,500 berserta piala dan pingat.

Tempat ketiga pula milik KPRS Empila setelah mereka berjaya menewaskan Kanda FC dengan 2-0.

Empila membawa pulang RM750, piala dan pingat manakala Kanda FC meraih RM400, piala dan pingat.

“Syabas kepada semua pemain kerana telah menunjukkan dedikasi serta komitmen tinggi sepanjang saingan untuk muncul juara,” kata Jalek ditemui selepas perlawanan.

Galeri: Kickalob julang Piala Sumbangsih

March 26, 2013

JUARA ... Barisan pemain Team Kickalob K2105 bersama Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (dua dari kiri),
Presiden PBBS, Ir Haidel Heli (kiri sekali). • Foto FAIZAL BUJANG

Karim: FAM kalis teguran

May 9, 2012

“FAM (Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia) sepa­tutnya bersedia menerima teguran atau kritikan dalam usaha membangunkan sukan bola sepak di negara ini,” kata Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia Sarawak, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Beliau berkata demi­kian ketika mengulas kenya­taan Presiden FAM, Sultan Ahmad Shah kelmarin yang meminta penyokong bola sepak meneliti dan memahami undang-undang badan induk itu terlebih dahulu sebelum mengeluarkan sebarang kenyataan.

Karim yang dipetik menerusi Utusan Borneo Online berkata, sekiranya badan bola sepak negara itu tidak boleh ditegur, maka banyak pihak yang tidak akan berpuas hati.

“Saya tidak khuatir dengan pandangan Presiden FAM (Sultan Ahmad Shah), namun tindakan Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM perlu lebih beretika bagi mengelak menge­luarkan keputusan tidak munasabah, kejam, keterlaluan dan tidak membina untuk sukan ­­bola sepak.

“Malah, presidennya sendiri harus bersedia menerima kritikan. Seseorang presiden badan seperti FAM bukannya above the board dan tidak boleh ditegur,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Presiden FAS, Datuk Sudarsono Osman berkata, pihaknya tetap menggunakan saluran diplomatik untuk menyelesaikan kemelut yang menimpa persatuan itu setelah didenda RM75,500 oleh FAM.

Do we Sarawakians look foolish to you?

May 8, 2012

KUCHING: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) should be more open in accepting criticism and comments from others so that it can further uplift the standard of football in Malaysia.

Assistant Youth Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the football governing body would only create more adversaries if it closed its doors to views from others.

“I am not too concerned with the views of the FAM president (Sultan Ahmad Shah), but the actions of the FAM disciplinary committee should be more ethical to avoid making decisions which are unreasonable, cruel, overzealous and killing the sport of football.

“Despite this, the president of FAM must be ready to accept criticisms. A president of a governing body like FAM is not above the board and not a person who cannot be reprimanded,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Abdul Karim, also Asajaya assemblyman, was making his comments on a national daily report yesterday which quoted Sultan Ahmad Shah as branding the move by Sarawak fans to urge FA of Sarawak (FAS) to withdraw from FAM as foolish.

Sultan Ahmad Shah had also urged football fans and fan clubs to understand the FAM’s laws and regulations first before calling for the withdrawal of its affiliates.

Prior to this, FAM had imposed fines totalling RM75,500 on FAS because of unruly behaviour by fans, as well as penalising the state football team to play the upcoming four home matches behind closed doors. It was not the first time FAM has heavily penalised those who have criticised the governing body, referee and the national team, as well as for making comments in the media.

‘Draconian judgement an insult to Sarawakians’

May 1, 2012

KUCHING: The recent decision by Football Association Malaysia (FAM) to fine Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) of nearly RM80,000 together with four home games behind closed doors is widely seen as draconian and a horrendous judgment.

In fact, the action by FAM was an act of mental torture to the Sarawak fans and an effort that will not bring positive impact to football in Malaysia.

Assistant Minister of Youth Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who pointed this out when asked to comment on the matter said he was unsure if the FAM disciplinary committee was relying on one source or had watched videos of the incident from various angles.

“FAM decision is unjustified, not helpful in sports development and is an insult to the people of Sarawak,” he said to The Borneo Post yesterday.

“It is better for us to ‘withdraw ourselves’ from being played and directed around by those (FAM) who had no respect for the people of Sarawak,” Karim added.

Karim suggested that FAS study several options, such as playing in other leagues such as the Singapore League, or continue playing in FAM organised competitions.

On the same subject, Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing urged the Federal Government to monitor the action of not just FAM but also other sports related governing bodies.