KUCHING: Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) has pledged full support for its president, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his fight to restore Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Saberkas deputy president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said although Saberkas was an apolitical body, fighting for the state’s rights was very much the desire of all Sarawakians, especially the youths.
“The committee members have unanimously agreed to support our president, who is also the chief minister, in his fight for the state’s rights. Although it seems political, the fact is this is what Sarawakians desire in general, especially in regards to our oil and gas.
“I believe that is the only way we can truly develop Sarawak to become on par with other developed states in Malaysia,” he told a press conference after attending Saberkas’ exco meeting at a hotel here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, said it was important for the youths to be engaged because they would be playing big roles in the development of the state.
Their active interest in the social media and their potential as future leaders make youths an important asset to the state, he added.
“That is why we are co opting members from various governmental bodies into Saberkas so that we can get close to the youths and identify their roles in the development of the state while at the same time gathering inputs from them.
“Otherwise, you will only create more problems if you disengage with them,” opined Abdul Karim.
On another matter, he said Saberkas would be providing allocations to its 75 branches in the state from now onwards. This has never been done before.
“We are now financially strong, thanks to the good management and administration of Saberkas. We now have a few million Ringgit in the bank.
“We have never before provided allocations to branches, so now we will do so for them to organise activities, although not much,” revealed Abdul Karim.
He hoped the branches would organise activities that would encourage participation from youths. — DayakDaily
