Don’t neglect youths, says Abdul Karim

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Abdul Karim (sixth left) presents a mock cheque to the captain of the winning aerobic team.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Youth Development (Urban) Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said youths are the country’s assets as they would be helming the government of the future.

“We like our youths to be fully equipped with knowledge, self-confidence and be strong in spirit.

“Hence our government through the ministry and various agencies try to get close to youths to mould them for leadership,” he said at a press conference after launching the state-level Youth Festival and Carnival 2015 at Summer Mall here recently.

Failure to get close to young people would make us feel responsible should they follow the wrong path, he said.

Abdul Karim who is also Assistant Minister of Housing reminded that like parents, leaders were responsible for taking care of youths.

The Asajaya assemblyman was impressed by the Summer Mall in Kota Samarahan which managed to draw crowds, especially youths for them to use facilities there to develop their talent and skills.

He said youths can help preserve their culture and heritage through traditional forms of entertainment.

Earlier state director of Sports and Youth Department, Abdul Haris Ishak said he hoped the event would uncover talent in fields such as sports, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

The state-level Karnival Fiesta Mesra Belia 1 Malaysia themed ‘Jom Ke PutraJaya’ was held at Summer Mall, Institut Pendidikan Guru Samarahan and Padang Majlis Daerah Samarahan from May 8 to 10.

It was organised by Jabatan Belia Dan Sukan Negeri Sarawak in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development Sarawak and Samarahan Resident Office.

Present were Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, Samarahan Deputy Resident Ahmad Abdul Razak and Harun Che Su representing the Youth and Sports Ministry.