KUCHING: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah considers his position as the new president of Sarawak United National Youth Organization (Saberkas) as a form of trust given by the state’s leadership.
“It is a trust and heavy responsibility that must be shouldered because Saberkas is for our youths who need guidance from leaders in order for them to become future generation of leaders,” he said of the new post after Saberkas former president Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg declined re-nomination at this year’s Saberkas 16th triennial general meeting held at Pullman Hotel in Miri yesterday.
He also expressed his gratitude to Abang Johari for helming Saberkas during his 2017 to 2020 tenure and had led the association to achieve many milestones including its financial standing.
In his speech, Abang Johari called on the delegates to continue their commitment to making Saberkas move forward, especially to get local youths to rapidly progress in the digital and communication technology.
Similarly, Abdul Karim also aspires to empower local youths in digital economic activities while encouraging their involvement in several areas that will further strengthen the required skills and competencies.
“As a youth organization that has nothing to do with politics, we will strive to guide and bring young people in Sarawak to be more dynamic and to shape a brighter future where they can participate in the development of the state and the local community.
“Saberkas membership does not regard race and religion because it was set up to encourage youth involvement in the fields of economy, arts, culture, sports and other intiatives that will benefit them in the long run,” said Abdul Karim.
He added that the youth are the most active members of the community and their number is almost half of the total population of Sarawak and Malaysia.
“With our youths forming the backbone of our community and country, Saberkas will work hard and focus on improving their future,” said Abdul Karim on the future challenges faced by the younger generation which required them to be more resilient and be well prepared in order to progress.
Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, was previously the deputy president and his nomination to the presidency was made by a representative from Saberkas Semariang branch. He was the only candidate for the post.
The new deputy president is Assistant Minister of Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
