SARATOK: United National Youth Association of Sarawak (Saberkas) is expecting to distribute more allocations this year as there are now additional branches of the movement.
Its president, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said at present allocations are distributed by Saberkas Central to its branches.
“Actually, in the past, there were never any large allocations … now we distribute around RM1.7 million every year and this year, I believe more will be allocated due to the increase in branches.
“We realise that this is what the branches need to motivate members and youths throughout Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim who is Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development said this after the the Saberkas Bubur Lambuk Jerayawara State Level launch ceremony at Masjid al-Muhtadin, here yesterday.
He urged Saberkas branch committees to in the meantime also find other sources to fund their activities so that they do not rely too much on Saberkas Central.
Saberkas, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for youth intends to develop youth comprehensively, he said.
“That is why many activities are aimed at how to develop this group, because I believe in one philosophy – if you want to see the future of a country, then look at its youth today.
“Thus, based on this strategic philosophy, the Sarawak government places broad emphasis on advancing youth by constantly getting closer, listening to their aspirations to form superior future leaders.
“That’s why I like to emphasise that Saberkas, which was established 50 years ago, was not registered based on political, religious or ethnic ideology.
“Because we want to see youth developed without being bound by certain ideologies, and subsequently have a solid identity,” he added.
On this year’s 19th anniversary of Jerayawara, he said Saberkas has allocated RM1,500 this year to each branch, compared to RM1,000 last year.
Overall,Saberkas has provided RM64,500, and Weida Resources Sdn Bhd is one of the contributors this year, contributing RM20,000.
For the Saberkas Prihatin programme to ease the burdens of the community, Abdul Karim said RM5,000 is allocated to each branch, for an overall expenditure of RM410,000.
Saberkas Secretary-General Safiee Ahmad, Tanjung Datu Assemblyman cum Saberkas State Exco Azizul Annuar Adenan, Political Secretary to the Premier cum Saberkas Vice President Abang Abdul Aziz Abang Draup, Kalaka Assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Krian Assemblyman Friday Belik, Saberkas Executive Secretary Iszuan Haroni, and Kalaka Branch Chairman Abadi Hussein were also present.
