By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Aug 26: The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak will look into claims regarding the Sarawak United Football Club (SUFC) players’ salaries.
Its Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the matter was discussed during the State Cabinet meeting yesterday (Aug 25).
“Not only am I unhappy about it, but even the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is also unhappy about it.
“I have been urged to look into it and solve the problem immediately. We do not want those who have fought in the name of Sarawak to be sidelined like this,” he said during a press conference held at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II today.
Abdul Karim opined that the football team’s management is irresponsible because if there is a contract with the players, their salary must be paid.
“It is just like any other employment; employees’ salaries must be paid by the end of the month when one works for any company or department. Therefore, you cannot leave them unpaid for months.
“But so far, I hear hearsay. I do not get the final details because this matter has not been brought to me,” he added.
Abdul Karim said he would look at this matter as soon as possible and get to the root cause of the problem.
He will meet with the club president, including the football players who made the report on the matter.
“These are players fighting for Sarawak, and we have to look after them,” he said.
On Aug 24, the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) tweeted on Twitter that they received several reports from SUFC players regarding the salary arrears, which have already reached the fourth month.
“On June 14, PFAM sent a notice regarding the players’ claims. A follow-up notice was then sent on July 8.
“We have received a response from the club on the settlement of these arrears, but until now, it has not been settled fully,” PFAM said in a statement. — DayakDaily
