By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 9: Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) members should not treat the youth movement merely as a stepping stone to contest elections, but should instead focus on serving their communities, says its president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He urged delegates at the organisation’s 18th Triennial General Assembly in Sibu today to choose leaders based on merit and ability, rather than factional interests.
“Don’t follow lists or groups. Choose based on qualifications and ability.
“Saberkas has produced many leaders who have gone on to contest State and parliamentary elections. We estimate that about 20 to 30 per cent of State Legislative Assembly (DUS) members have a Saberkas background,” he said.
However, he stressed that members should not join the organisation solely to secure political opportunities.
“Don’t make Saberkas a platform just to become a candidate. Continue serving the community.
“Your sincerity will be assessed by the leadership, and your opportunity will come at the right time,” he said.
He also called for the organisation’s leadership to remain balanced in terms of race, region and age, while ensuring continuity of the younger generation.
On the organisation’s future, Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), said Saberkas also planned to strengthen its assets, including through its proposed headquarters in Kuching.
He said having its own building would provide a permanent space for the organisation’s activities and allow Saberkas to expand further.
Abdul Karim said the organisation was now in a stronger financial position, noting that it had previously relied on asset sales to fund its triennial general assembly but was now able to cover the event without doing so.
The assembly brought together 410 delegates and observers from all 82 Saberkas branches, marking the first time every branch was represented at the triennial gathering. — DayakDaily
