Cukai Pelancongan: Karim tak salahkan Ahli Parlimen dari Sarawak

June 14, 2017

Abdul Karim menerima obor daripada Snowdan sambil disaksikan Hasidah, Shukarmin Chasemon, dan Dayang Nurfaizah.

KUCHING: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah tidak menyalahkan Ahli Parlimen Barisan Nasional kerana tidak mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan Rang Undang-Undang Cukai Pelancongan kerana perbahasan dijalankan pada awal pagi.

Katanya, ia adalah yang terakhir dibentangkan dari jumlah enam Rang Undang-Undang dijadual dalam Aturan Urusan Persidangan Parlimen untuk dibahas pada hari tersebut katanya sambil menambah, masa pembentangan juga tidak sesuai.

Beliau turut mempersoalkan, mengapa pembentangan Rang Undang-Undang (Akta Cukai Pelancongan)perlu dibuat di Dewan Rakyat dalam masa yang terdesak.

Umno branch for S’wakians in Johor? Karim says aye

May 11, 2015

KUCHING: Johor Umno Liaison Committe chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Saturday proposed the setting up of an Umno branch for Sarawakians in Pasir Gudang parliament constituency.

Bernama quoted the Johor Menteri Besar as saying the proposal would encourage the community to participate in politics to ensure their welfare and needs were well looked after.

“With this representation, the welfare of the Sarawak community in the state will be looked after better, and they will also have a place for their voices to be heard,” he was reported as suggesting during the Pre-Gawai 2015 launching ceremony on Saturday night.

According to him, there were between 30,000 and 40,000 Sarawakians living in the state who should be given privileges as they had resided in Johor for a long time, were supportive of the government, and had contributed to the economy.

Yesterday, The Borneo Post reporter Jonathan Chia contacted three state BN leaders, and their comments were mixed.

PRS president Tan Sri Dauk Amar Dr James Masing is strongly against the idea while PBB supreme council members Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku are receptive of it. Masing said he would not agree to such a set up. He cautioned that Sarawakians who joined Umno in Johor would eventually want Umno to set foot in Sarawak to look after their interests when they come back.

Karim: Mind your language, even when in DUN

April 25, 2015

KUCHING: Words that are treasonable and seditious are not privileged even when uttered in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), said Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzan.

Karim said it was up to the Attorney-General (AG) to prosecute those who uttered them.

“One is not covered by House privilege for uttering seditious and treasonable words. The final say on whether to prosecute or not rests on the AG,” said the Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban).

“There had been decided cases on this. Case in point is PP vs Mark Koding. He was charged for uttering seditious words in Parliament in 1978, whereby in his speech he asked for the closure of Chinese and Tamil schools in Malaysia.

“He was charged and found guilty,” said Karim on Thursday when asked for his opinion on Pujut assemblyman Fong Pau Teck’s statement made at the DUN.

Santubong MP Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, when contacted yesterday, also confirmed there were several cases similar to Mark Koding’s over the years, but not as many as that in the English Parliament.

“But whether any statement is seditious is defined by the Sedition Act and interpreted by the judge. I cannot remember how many cases like this in Malaysia but certainly volumes of them could be found in England,” said the Deputy Home Minister.

‘Need to review Arms Act, 1960’

April 23, 2015

Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar

SIBU: Provisions under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 have to be relooked in order to remain relevant to deal with the issue of imitation guns.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this was especially so if the act or offence committed by a person did not fall under the provision of Section 6 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.

“There are two Acts of Parliament governing imitation guns, one complementing the other under specific circumstances.

“Section 36 of Arms Act 1960 provides punishment for importing or in possession of imitation gun and is punishable with not more than one year jail or a fine of RM5,000 or both. But if the person uses the gun to commit, attempt to commit, or conspire to commit an offence which possibly puts a person in fear of death or grievous hurt shall be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years and three lashes of the whip.

“From the provisions mentioned, obviously there is a need to have a relook at the provisions of Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 to make the provisions more relevant especially, if the act or offence committed by the person does not fall under the provision of Section 6 of Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971,” Wan Junaidi said.

He was asked if there was a plan by the government to review the existing penalty for selling or possessing imitation (fake) guns, making it stiffer to curb the sale of such gadgets that resemble genuine firearms following the arrest of a restaurant waiter from a house in Matang last week after he was found in possession of a cache of ‘never-before-seen’ imitation air rifles and pistols.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching, district police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad said that police personnel inspected a room in the house and found nine sets of imitation weapons comprising four rifles and five pistols, along with various related components.

Use ‘educational approach’ to combat drug abuse, says Abdul Karim

April 6, 2015

SIBU: Drug awareness programmes should be intensified to educate the public, particularly students, on the dangers of drug abuse.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who made the suggestion, said educating the people was more important than conducting drug screenings in schools, which is not something new.

“This has been done in some schools in Sarawak, where some students were suspected of drug abuse,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Reduction of electricity tariffs receives positive response

November 21, 2014

KUCHING: The state government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs for all domestic customers in the state effective January next year has been met with positive response from elected representatives especially those who represent the rural constituencies.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the move would no doubt benefit the people especially those in the low income group.

“This is very good news for the people of Sarawak particularly those who do not consume a lot of electricity such as people in the villages who may now be exempted from paying the electricity bill.

“This will benefit around 130,000 households. It is also a timely and appropriate move because we have been informed that the profits of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Sesco are channeled back to the people,” he said when met at the BN Backbenchers Club Nite at Sarawak Club on Wednesday.

The Asajaya assemblyman also expressed his optimism that the people under his constituency would no doubt be very happy with the decision, which was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem during the final day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday.

Engkilili assemblyman Johnical Rayong Nyipa, meanwhile said the state government’s decision proved that the chief minister was serious in helping and solving problems faced by ordinary Sarawakians.

“This is a very good and timely decision and we are all for it,” he added.

Ancaman sindiket dadah sasar pelajar perlu perhatian

July 17, 2014

SIBU: Ancaman sindiket dadah yang didakwa menyasarkan pelajar sekolah menjaja bahan terlarang itu perlu diberi perhatian segera.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, jika tiada langkah pencegahan awal ia dikhuatiri berupaya memusnahkan masa depan generasi muda.

“Ia perlu diberi perhatian serius menerusi langkah pencegahan,” ujarnya ketika mengulas laporan Bernama yang melaporkan bahawa sindiket dadah menjadi lebih berani dengan menyasarkan pelajar sekolah untuk menjual dadah.

Memetik Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Bernama melaporkan pelajar sekolah kini menjadi sasaran oleh pengedar dadah kerana pasaran yang menguntungkan di sekolah.

Wan Junaidi juga dilaporkan berkata mereka akan mengenal pasti kawasan panas di negara ini dan melaksanakan program-program pendidikan pencegahan.

Abdul Karim, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya memberi amaran sindiket dadah menggunakan semua saluran untuk memastikan pulangan lumayan.

“Bagi mereka (sindiket), mereka tidak peduli mengenai siapa sasaran mereka, sama ada pelajar sekolah, wanita, orang miskin, orang kaya atau profesional.

Kejampatka pengawa nyeliahka sindiket dadah beterabaika nembiak sekula: Karim

July 17, 2014

SIBU: Pengawa kena nyeliah sindiket dadah beterabaika nembiak sekula patut dikemerat sereta dikejampat.

Menteri Muda Pemansang Raban Nembiak Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, enti laun ngatur pengawa dikena nyeliahka pekara tu tau ngeruga pengidup nembiak jemah ila.

“Pekara tu patut diputarka kitai enggau naka pengelengkas,” pia ku iya maya dipinta ngelansa ripot Bernama ti madahka sindiket dadah diatu nyau berani ngiga nembiak sekula nyual dadah.

Ba ripot Bernama, Sapit Menteri Dalam Nengeri Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar madahka nembiak sekula diatu dikena sindiket dadah nyual dadah laban bulih untung ke mayuh agi enti dijual ba sekula.

Ku Wan Junaidi, nembiak muntang mendingka jaku tauka lengkas tepawah runding enggau jaku umbuk.

Berindik ari pekara tu, Wan Junaidi madah, sida deka ngiga palan ke patut ba menua tu alai ngatur program pelajar bekaul enggau pengawa munaska dadah.

Abdul Karim ti mega Kaban Kunsil Nengeri Asajaya mantaika penemu, bala raban sindiket dadah naka alah ngiga chara dikena ngulihka untung mayuh.

Act on growing number of home-made guns — Abdul Karim

July 17, 2014

KUCHING: A lawmaker has called for an all-out check against the proliferation of home-made guns in the state.

Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the police and government must put a stop to the increasing number of the weapon otherwise it will be a “disaster” for the state.

The Assistant Youth Development Minister pointed out that he was unsure whether home-made guns were getting out of control in the state but urged the authorities to act swiftly and urgently.

“I’m unsure whether home-made guns are getting out of control in the state, but looking at incidences of home-made guns being used in crimes and the number of these guns being seized in the last few years, there seems to be an increase.

“This is not healthy and the police and government must go all out to check this upward trend and put a stop to it,” the Assistant Housing Minister, who is a lawyer by training, wrote in his SMS.

He stressed that whether the guns were home-made or factory manufactured, they could kill or maim someone, and once they got into the wrong hands could cause disaster to the state.

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on Sunday reportedly said that the present punishment for manufacture, sale or possession of home-made guns was inadequate.

Stop students from being used as drug distributors

July 16, 2014

SIBU: The menace of drug syndicates targeting school children to peddle drugs must be nipped in the bud, stressed Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“If it is not curtailed early, our future generation can be destroyed,” he cautioned when reacting to a Bernama report that drug syndicates in the country had become more and more daring by using schoolchildren to distribute drugs.

The report further quoted Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as saying schoolchildren were now being targeted by the pushers as they saw a good market in schools.

According to Wan Junaidi, students were easily influenced because there were those among them who did not know the ill effects of drug abuse.

Wan Junaidi also reportedly said they would identify hotspots in the country and implement prevention programmes.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, warned that drug syndicates would use all avenues to make more money as to them it didn’t matter whether the drug users were school children, women, poor folks, rich folks or professionals.

What was important to them, he added, was getting more people to become drug users because more users meant more money for them.

Homemade shotguns: Abdul Karim calls for stern action

April 25, 2014

KUCHING: The authorities must be firm in handling the making and assembling of homemade shotguns and airguns.

In making the call, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the police and prosecutors must be firm when addressing the issue.

“Looking at the number of homemade guns seized, which I hope is not the tip of an iceberg, the police and prosecutors must be firm on the matter,” he said in a text message received here yesterday.

He said this in response to the latest case reported in Miri where the police seized two homemade shotguns, two homemade airguns and two rounds of ammunition. The seizure was made following the arrest of two siblings, aged 22 and 40.

Karim said that firm action was necessary to prevent the matter getting out of hand.

He also said it was equally important that the public be properly informed that possessing unlicensed guns, even if they were homemade, was an offence.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, meanwhile, said homemade shotguns fell under artificial arms of the Arms Act 1960.

Karim thumbs up to Adenan as Chief Minister

February 13, 2014

Hoped he (Adenan) would continue with development programmes already put in place in order to take the state to a higher level of achievement. - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar described the appointment of Tan Sri Adenan Satem as the new chief minister as “the right choice”.

“To me, he is the right choice. I’m pleased with the appointment and I’m sure Tan Sri Adenan will be able to perform the big role of a chief minister,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Wan Junaidi said this when asked to comment on Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud announcement yesterday that his successor is Adenan. Taib had earlier submitted his resignation letter dated Feb 28, 2014, to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin.

Santubong MP Wan Junaidi noted that Adenan had the respect of most elected representatives in the state, adding he was confident he would enjoy the support of all state BN component parties.

“I’m sure he will able to strengthen the BN in Sarawak and to lead BN in the next state election,” said Wan Junaidi, who is also a PBB Supreme Council member.

His colleague Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also supported Adenan’s appointment, and hoped he (Adenan) would continue with development programmes already put in place in order to take the state to a higher level of achievement

“We wish to thank Pehin Sri (Taib) for what he has done for Sarawak. He has devoted his entire life for the state and nation. We wish him peace and happiness in whatever position he is going to do next.”

Former deputy minister Bujang Ulis dies

 February 4, 2014

He will be remembered as a friendly and approachable minister for Sarawakian students who studied in Kuala Lumpur during his days as deputy education minister - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

Maimunah (centre) flanked by her daughters at Bujang’s grave during the burial ceremony at the Samariang Muslim cemetery yesterday.

KUCHING: Datuk Bujang Ulis the former Deputy Education Minister and three-term Member of Parliament of Simunjan, died in his house at Kpg Semariang Jaya, Petra Jaya early yesterday morning at the age of 66.

Bujang had also served as Deputy Primary Industries Minister from 1980 to 1983 before becoming Deputy Education Minister from 1984 to 1986. He was a former vice-president of PBB and MP for Simunjan from 1978 to 1990.

Simunjan parliamentary constituency has been re-delineated into a state seat.

He quit PBB in 1987 with several other leaders to form Persatuan Rakyat Malaysia Sarawak (Permas).

Prior to his political career, Bujang was a teacher. He taught at SMK Simunjan, SMK Tun Openg and was the principal of SMK Three Rivers school in Mukah.

Among those who paid their last respects to the former MP was one of his former students Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais who ironically is the state assemblyman of Simunjan.

Naroden remembered his former teacher as a down to earth and jovial man.

Galeri: Majlis Maulidur Rasul

January 15, 2014

SELAMAT HARI MAULIDUR RASUL: Dr. Wan Junaidi seraya disempulang Karim (dua kiba) enggau Dr. Abdul Rahman betemu enggau raban bansa Islam maya ngerami Maulidur Rasul ti diatur Komiti Pengelikun Genturung Pendiau Kampung Seberang Hilir. — Gambar Muhd Rais Sanusi

2014 Budget provides new economic platform

October 26, 2013

“Overall, the Budget is to intensify development without increasing the burden of the people in nation-building." -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: Malaysia is on a new economy platform with the tabling of the RM264.2 billion 2014 Budget, themed “Strengthening Economic Resilience, Transformation and Implement Empowering Promise”, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the Parliament, yesterday.

To face global political and economic uncertainties, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the 2014 Budget highlighted five thrusts, namely, invigorating economic activity, strengthening fiscal management, inculcating excellence in human capital, intensifying urban and rural development, and ensuring the well-being of the people.

New Sarawak Tribune yesterday contacted several federal and state ministers and State Assemblymen for their comments on the 2014 Budget, and all of them gave the thumbs up to the budget.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that in the last lapse of Vision 2020 by which time the country would achieve a developed nation status. 

“The eight thrusts to achieve this through development and enhancement of the development of all the Development corridors throughout the country through infrastructure development.”

“Every aspect of service sector is given emphasis in the infrastructure development and this will enhance the tourism and shipping industries,” he said.

Junaidi said the focus on the development of the agriculture industry from all aspects, from the ground to the table, would ensure food security and non-reliance on import. 

Dap trying to spin the public safety issue -Karim

August 14, 2013

“The statement by Chong is both irresponsible and malicious. DAP is trying to spin the issue and place the blame on the government and the police.” -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

Sarawak DAP chief’s statement on rise in violent crimes in the country condemned and ridiculed

KUCHING: The statement by state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen that Barisan Nasional (BN) government is deliberately allowing crimes in the country to rise to justify reintroducing preventive laws has been condemned by BN representatives and the state police chief Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani Acryl (pic) described Chong ’s statement made at a press conference on Monday as ‘absurd’, adding that no right thinking government would harm the people to achieve its objective.

“This kind of statement should not come from a man of Chong’s stature and standing,” Acryl told The Borneo Post yesterday.

“The public must do away with the thinking that preventive laws benefi t the police. They are for the safety of the public, not for the ease of our job. Though we are the police, we are also part of the society at large. It is also our wish to have a safe society,” he added.

He pointed out that those who committed serious crimes recently were mainly former Emergency Ordinance (EO) detainees.

“The NGOs and the opposition had been calling for the law to be abolished. With the abolishment of EO, all those detained under EO were released as there is no more law to hold them anymore.

“And now, the opposition is blaming the government for the rising crimes. This does not make sense.”

Sarawak BN and Oppositions say NO to overthrowing govt by force

May 15, 2013

“Pre-emptive laws should be used to stop those with evil intent on their track!” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: State politicians from both sides of divide agreed that taking to the streets to overthrow the Barisan Nasional (BN) government through force is against the country’s constitution and a threat to national security.

Six-term Santubong MP Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar condemned the call by ABU (Anything But Umno) leader Haris Ibrahim and PKR vice-president Tian Chua to overthrow BN through “force”.

The former Parliamentary deputy speaker said taking to the streets to overthrow the government is tantamount to a revolution.

“The police or even the military should take action and put away the political leaders who incited the people to overthrow the BN government,” Wan Junaidi told the Borneo Post.

Citing the examples of Egypt, Libya, Syria and Tunisia, he said the people of these countries had resorted to remove the ruling regimes by force but these countries were still plagued with problems.

“They (opposition leaders) joined the fold and participated in the election process. When they lost, they claimed that they don’t have faith in the system.

“The fact is that they failed to convince the people,” said Wan Junaidi.

Galeri: Projek Rumah Mesra Rakyat di Lundu

April 16, 2013

UNGKUP KITA … Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg nyuaka replika kunchi ngagai orang ke

ngempu rumah, Dolhardi Kippli enggau bini iya, Siti Miswati Ehawan rambau Ngabas Taba Projek Rumah

Mesra Rayat, ba Lundu kemari (Hari Satu). Bela bisi dipeda Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Haji 
Abdul Karim Hamzah, Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi enggau Pegawai Daerah Lundu, Mohd Azmi Bujang.

HOUSING MATTERS: Datuk Amar Abang Johari TunOpeng (seated, left) stressing a point at a discussion with (seated, from second left) Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and government officers.

Karim: PAS should observe the election rules

April 10, 2013

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

TOO EARLY: Several PAS flags seen in the vicinity of a roundabout in Kota Samarahan.

KUCHING: Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS) has flouted the law by hoisting their party’s flags in public places before the campaigning period, particularly along Jalan Kuching-Samarahan.

Former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday: “We should adhere to the law where banners and flags should only be raised during the campaigning period.

“The Santubong parliamentary election workforce has always been reminded to follow the rules and regulations during the election period.”

PBB Supreme Council member Karim Rahman Hamzah said all parties should observe the laws on campaigning activities including raising their party’s flags in public places.

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Election Commission director Datu Takun Sunggah urged political parties that had raised or hung their flag in public places to remove them immediately.

“Such act is against the local council law and action must be taken to remove them immediately,” said Takun.

Anwar should follow Karpal Singh’s example — Abdul Karim

August 23, 2012

KUCHING: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pix right) should follow DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s stand when it comes to instigating party hopping among elected representatives in the country.

In stating this, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah agreed with the Bukit Gelugor MP’s (Karpal Singh) stand that party hopping is likened to an act of betrayal for the people who had elected their MPs and assemblymen.

“Party hopping is not encouraged. It reflects one’s ‘insecurity’, inability to work together and does have an impact on one’s credibility. I’m against elected representatives hopping from one party to another and ‘carrying the seat’ along. If a YB wants to jump party, vacate the seat first and let there be a by-election. It’s morally wrong for him to ‘carry along’ the seat as he is voted and given the mandate by virtue of him representing his earlier party.

“Karpal (pix right) should teach him (Anwar) on this ‘political morality’ as he (Anwar) is the number one advocate of ‘reps pinching and hopping’ and crossover from the backdoor. Since 2008, he’s (Anwar) notorious for that with the latest in Sabah,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Abdul Karim who is also Asajaya assemblyman said while Karpal was promoting loyalty among DAP elected representatives; his team mate from PKR (Anwar) seemed to be advocating the opposite.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar also echoed Abdul Karim’s sentiment. Stating that party hopping is against the principle of good democratic practice, he said Anwar’s obsession to take over Putrajaya has led him to abandon the basic principle of virtue and integrity of elected representatives. Their credibility will be thrown into the gutter.

“It confuses the people,..the party’s followers and sympathisers as a whole. The people expect the parties which wish to propagate the alternative party system to settle their basic differences first before thinking of governing the country.