ASAJAYA: Sarawak is on the right track in its development of future state and national leaders, especially among the youth.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in stating this, said the recent amendment to the Sarawak Constitution which intends to lower the age of persons qualified for election to the august House from 21 to 18 is a manifestation of the state government’s trust in its youth and their abilities to steer the direction of the state and country in the future.
“Our hope is for the youth to improve their capabilities because the future of the state and the country lies in the hands of our youths.
“The people must realise that they play an important role in political development of the state and country.
“Because they are the heirs of wealth, prosperity and well-being pursued by our current leaders,” he said when speaking at the state level Youth Day celebration at the Asajaya Sports Complex here today.
Abdul Karim also urged young people throughout the state especially in the rural areas to back the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government to fight for their interests.
“The support shown by the youth for various human capital development and ‘capacity building’ programmes are welcomed as it revolves on the needs of the youth in the future,” he added.
Apart from that, he said the development of digital technology in the state also provided space and opportunities for youth to showcase their creativity and talents in various fields such as entrepreneurship, arts, culture, volunteerism, and Esports among others.
He said in order to achieve this objective, the Youth and Sports Ministry has collaborated with government agencies and non-governmental agencies (NGOs) at the state and federal levels to formulate various programmes in support of youth involvement.
“The participation of youth in various state government initiatives will also encourage the ministry to continue to work hard in providing strategic planning including preparing policies, action plans, and implementation of programmes and activities in the future,” said Abdul Karim who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
