By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 7: Parti Sedar Rakyat (SEDAR) has thrown its support behind Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, describing the veteran minister as a leader who still has much to contribute to Sarawak and can take on even greater responsibilities.
In its statement, SEDAR noted Abdul Karim’s remarks about the need for all leaders to accept, with an open heart, whatever decisions their party makes ahead of the upcoming Sarawak State election, saying that he is among Sarawak’s political figures who still have much to contribute to the State.
It said Abdul Karim had held numerous key positions in the Sarawak government, with his experience across several strategic State Cabinet portfolios shaping him into a leader with a comprehensive understanding of the State’s economic and social development, tourism, youth, and sports, as well as other areas crucial to the well-being of the people of Sarawak.
SEDAR also emphasised Abdul Karim’s consistent firmness in defending his views and principles as among the leadership qualities most needed today, stressing that leaders must have the courage to make decisions, defend the interests of the State, and speak up for what they believe is right for the benefit of the people amid challenging global geopolitical and economic conditions.
“Firmness founded on experience, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility is a form of leadership that can inspire confidence among the people and investors alike that Sarawak has leaders who are prepared to face future challenges.
“SEDAR believes that empowering a new generation of leaders is an important process in any political organisation. However, this process does not necessarily require experienced leaders who are still capable of making significant contributions to step aside.
“Rather, sustainable leadership development is achieved when the experience and wisdom of senior leaders are combined with the ideas and energy of the younger generation,” it said.
On the basis, SEDAR believes that Abdul Karim, who is also the State’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development—as well as Asajaya assemblyman—still possesses the qualifications, credibility, and stature to continue playing an important role in Sarawak’s political landscape and that he is among those capable of taking on even greater responsibilities should the need arise.
“SEDAR hopes that any decisions made by political parties ahead of the upcoming State election will take into account Sarawak’s long-term interests. The State needs a leadership team that possesses not only vision, but also experience, integrity, wisdom and courage to continue advancing Sarawak in an increasingly dynamic national and international landscape.
“Sarawak’s future depends not only on renewal, but also on the wisdom to value experience. Capable leaders should continue to be allowed to serve as long as they remain able to contribute to the State’s progress and the well-being of its people.”
On Aug 2, Abdul Karim said that he is ready to make way for new leaders when the time comes, stressing that politicians must accept when their party decides it is time for a change.
He said this followed an exchange with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, during which Abdul Karim said he felt his service in politics had reached a sufficient milestone.
Speaking at the IIUM Alumni Ummatic Gathering, he said all elected representatives must be prepared to step aside when circumstances require it, regardless of how many terms they have served.
He further added that politicians should not have the mindset of refusing to leave or of contesting independently if they were not selected as candidates. — DayakDaily
