By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 31: What began as a reluctant entry into the youth movement evolved into a transformative mission for Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who today leads one of Sarawak’s most formidable youth-based non-governmental organisations—Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS).
Founded in 1973, SABERKAS has long served as a platform for nurturing young leaders across Sarawak, operating as a non-partisan body aligned with development, volunteerism, and youth empowerment.
During a dialogue session at the Satok Youth Xtive Carnival 2025 held at the Satok Sports Complex last night (May 30), Abdul Karim candidly reflected on his unplanned entry into youth activism, his early political journey, and the turning point that led him to helm SABERKAS—a position he has held since 2017, following the departure of then-president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who became Chief Minister in 2017.
The dialogue, “Sembang Santai bersama Pemimpin Sarawak”, moderated by Kelab Belia Prihatin Bandar Kuching chairman Asri Hazwan Harun, offered an intimate glimpse into Karim’s personal and leadership evolution.
“In 1991, after returning to Sarawak from practicing law in Peninsular Malaysia, I was roped in by PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) to help with nomination paperwork during the State election. That’s when my political journey began,” he recalled.
He subsequently joined PBB Youth in Sadong Jaya, serving for about a decade before contesting the Asajaya seat, which he has represented since 2001.
However, it wasn’t until 2015 or 2016 that Abdul Karim formally joined SABERKAS, after persistent persuasion from then-president Abang Johari.
“At the time, I knew SABERKAS was going through some tough internal issues. I told myself, I didn’t want to get involved.
“One day, while Abang Jo was in Kuala Lumpur, one of his officers from Satok came to me with a SABERKAS membership form and said, ‘Abang Jo asked you to fill this up.’
“I told him straight—‘I’ve already said I don’t want to join SABERKAS. Too many problems in there,’” he recounted.
Still hesitant, Abdul Karim decided to phone Abang Jo directly, but Abang Jo simply replied: “Isi jak kau borang ya” (Just fill in the form).
That brief exchange would change the trajectory of Abdul Karim’s role in youth development in Sarawak.
“Looking back, I think Abang Jo already had a plan for me. He saw a role for me not just as a member, but as someone who could clean things up and rebuild SABERKAS into a stronger, more relevant organisation,” he reflected.
Upon becoming president in 2017, Abdul Karim initiated what he described as a two-year “spring cleaning” of the organisation.
“SABERKAS had deep-rooted issues, but Alhamdulillah, today it stands as one of the strongest and most self-sufficient youth NGOs in Sarawak,” he said proudly.
He noted that SABERKAS has grown from 30-plus active branches to 82 branches Statewide, each receiving RM20,000 in annual funding from the central committee. The organisation now runs on an internally generated monthly income of over RM100,000, primarily from property rentals and investments, which it channels directly into youth development programmes.
“SABERKAS today doesn’t need government funding. We are fully self-sustaining,” he said, adding that the organisation conducts over 200 youth programmes annually, including the flagship Saberkas Sports Carnival (KASUS).
Abdul Karim also highlighted the formation of SABERKAS Prihatin during the Covid-19 pandemic—a youth-led emergency response team tasked with delivering aid during disasters. The unit has since become an essential frontliner in times of flood, fire, and other crises.
“Our strength is our speed. When disaster strikes, one phone call from Kuching is enough. We mobilise, we deliver aid, and we settle the bills later,” he explained.
To the youth in the crowd, he offered practical advice rooted in real-world experience:
“To succeed, it’s not about having the best degree. It’s about knowing your direction, building a strong network, and having the will to serve society.”
As Abdul Karim continues to lead from the frontlines of youth development in Sarawak, his story stands as a powerful reminder of how vision, tenacity, and service can turn even the most reluctant recruit into a transformational leader. — DayakDaily
