By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 24: Youths must improve themselves with the right knowledge and skills because they are the future of the state as well as country, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
According to Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, youths are a vital asset for the development of a county and as future leaders.
“They must be critical, and to me, it is an important group who is expected to take over as the future leaders and we need youths with leadership quality and the right mental capability.
“That is why we want youths to be educated, well mannered, aware of their surroundings and also God-fearing, because they are the future of the state and country,” he said during the Jelajah Belia Sarawak 2020 programme for Demak Laut in Penview Convention Centre in Demak Laut here, today.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim noted he is also proud of youths in Sarawak for having a patriotic spirit towards the state besides wanting to improve themselves to attain the next level.
Throughout the state, he said, youths have been nurtured with that “kind of feeling” that makes the ministry proud.
“That is why I also hope that youths in Demak Laut will always have the spirit of competitiveness, be highly capable and at the same time, keep away from trouble.
“It is understandable that during their youth, there is a sense of rebellion in them, but if they are following the wrong path or are easily influenced by social problems such as drugs and many others, it can lead them astray,” he added.
Abdul Karim pointed out that about 40 per cent of the state population comprises youths, and they are the ones who are expected to take over and provide continuity from the present leadership.
“That is why my ministry organises programmes such as this “Jelajah Belia 2020” programme throughout the state, and that is why we need to get closer to the youths so as to mould and educate them in accordance with what has been required by the state and the country as a whole,” he added. –DayakDaily.
