Federal heads have edge over State heads

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Datuk Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah performs the kickoff.

KUCHING: A friendly football match between heads of department of the state and the federal heads of department was kicked off by State Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Sarawak Stadium last Friday night.

The Sarawak side, led by captain and head of State Planning Unit (SPU) Datu Abu Bakar Marzuki, got off to a fine start scoring two quick goals in the first half.

The Federal side, led by captain Mansor Man who is Federal Office Secretary, reduced the deficit to make it 2-1 at the break.

The second half in the game of three halfs of 15 minutes each saw the federal team piling up the pressure to equalise and eventually win 4-2.

Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) Corporate Division manager Mohamad Itidzar Razali, who is the main organiser, said the main purpose of the match was to further enhance ties between the various heads of department.

“It provides an avenue for us to meet in an informal way through football which is a great way to know each other and help create closeness and camaraderie and a good chance to build our networking which is useful in our work.

He revealed that most of these senior officers from the various agencies and departments have never met personally.

“Also we want to encourage Government officers to indulge in healthy lifestyle which will lead to productivity and efficiency.”

The SSC may organise other games like badminton in the future for the same purpose.

45 heads of Government departments and agencies representing the federal and state departments such as State Planning Unit, Astana Negeri, SIRIM, RELA, BOMBA, Medical Department, Land and Survey department, Customs, Immigration, Registration Office, Federal Secretary Office, Police department, Medical department, Education department, Administration and Diplomatic Office and Pension office played in the match which was played in a competitive but friendly atmosphere.