MAKING IT OFFICIAL: Abang Johari (third right) handing the appointment letter to Karim, who is Saberkas vice-president for the term 2013 to 2016. With them are (from left) Hasidah, Lee, Dr Abdul Rahman and Aidan.
KUCHING: Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) will focus on developing human capital to help the state achieve developed status by 2030.
Its president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said it would do this by, among others, strengthening ties with government agencies that provide training and opportunities to youths.
Speaking to reporters after chairing Saberkas state exco meeting yesterday, Abang Johari said Saberkas had to modify its approaches as it was dealing with digital-age youths.
“We will be more aggressive in our approaches to reach out to youths (those below 45 years old). They make up between 60 and 65 per cent of the state’s population.”
He said two thirds of Saberkas’ 53 exco members were below 45 years old following an amendment to its constitution. The average age of the exco members is 40 years, and the youngest is 29.
During its triennial general assembly (TGM) here on June, 22 members were elected and 22 appointed.
Those who received appointment letters from Abang Johari yesterday for being elected for the 2013-2016 term are deputy president Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, vice presidents Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Sharifah Hasidah Aman Ghazali.
Nominated vice presidents are Datuk Sylvester Entri, Datuk Aidan Wing and Antonio Kahti Galis, secretary-general Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, assistant secretaries Abu Seman Jahwie, Dennis Ngau, Razi Sitam, Eddy Puah Teik Chai, Sulhie Salleh and Gabriel Jatu, treasurer Ngui Ing Ing, and assistant treasurers Gerald Rentap Jabu and Abdul Razak Joni.
Its organising secretary is Abdullah Saidol and assistant organising secretaries are Dr Annuar Rapaee and Sim Ya Szi.
Among Saberkas ex-officio are Datuk Fatimah Abdullah and Datu Len Taliff Salleh.