We reproduce verbatim the special interview on Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim which appeared in the commemorative coffee table book ‘Triumphant Sarawak’.
Sarawak’s triumphant victory at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, clinching the championship for the fourth time, stands as a proud moment for the state’s sporting prowess, strategic planning, and community support.
Under the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak not only hosted but excelled in one of the largest and most ambitious editions of the games. With 37 sports and nearly 500 events, SUKMA 2024 set a new benchmark for excellence, becoming a showcase of Sarawak’s organisational capabilities and sporting talent.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, who wears multiple hats as the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, has been pivotal in spearheading Sarawak’s sports development. His tireless dedication to nurturing athletes, combined with his visionary leadership, ensured that the state reclaimed the title after a three-decade wait.
The victory, however, was not without challenges – managing logistics across nine divisions and upgrading infrastructure on a tight timeline proved daunting, yet Sarawak rose to the occasion.
The minister attributed the success to a collective effort, highlighting the role of the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak Sports Corporation, local authorities and countless volunteers.
The teamwork and shared passion for excellence permeated every level, from grassroots coordination to the grand opening ceremony, which dazzled audiences with drone shows and vibrant displays. Beyond medals, the Games sparked a renewed sense of pride and unity among Sarawakians, with unprecedented crowd support in towns like Bintulu and Sri Aman.
As SUKMA 2024 concluded, discussions turned toward future ambitions. Sarawak’s success has spurred the state’s interest in bidding for larger events, including potentially hosting segments of the SEA Games.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim’s vision extends beyond sports – he envisions building a pipeline of talent through continuous development, grassroots competitions, and cross-border collaboration, aiming to solidify Sarawak’s position as a sports powerhouse.
In an exclusive interview with Sarawak Tribune (publisher of TRIUMPHANT SARAWAK), Datuk Seri Abdul Karim reflects on the SUKMA journey, the sacrifices made, and the path forward. He shares candid insights on managing multiple portfolios, the significance of the win, and strategies to sustain Sarawak’s momentum. From elite athlete investment to grassroots development, his passion for sports, youth, and community is unmistakable.
The following is the editorial team’s conversation with Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, where he discusses the challenges and triumphs that shaped Sarawak’s SUKMA journey, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the future of sports in Sarawak.
Sarawak Tribune: You have an incredibly punishing schedule, Sir, managing multiple roles and responsibilities, including the SUKMA Games, tourism, and even officiating international events. What is your secret to managing such a demanding pace while excelling in every role?
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim: There is no specific secret – it’s about enjoying what you do and seeing it as a form of national service. This role is temporary, so you must make the most of it while you can. I try to embrace every responsibility as part of the journey, even though it comes at the expense of personal interests like golfing or cycling, which I’ve had to put on hold.
You’ve just returned from officiating events in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Yogyakarta. How do you maintain your focus despite such a hectic schedule?
It’s all in the mind. When you know you have several events in a day, you prepare mentally. I prefer giving speeches off-the-cuff, but for more complex topics, I’ll refer to prepared texts. Being organised and punctual also helps – I hate making people wait.
Sarawak emerged as the overall champion at SUKMA 2024, winning the title for the fourth time. What does this victory mean to you and to Sarawak?
It’s a deeply satisfying achievement, especially after 30 years. Back in 2016, when we hosted SUKMA, we narrowly missed the championship by two gold medals, and that loss stayed with me. This time, everything aligned perfectly – the athletes performed exceptionally, and the support from our Premier and the people of Sarawak made all the difference.
Can you share the key factors behind Sarawak’s success in reclaiming the championship?
It boiled down to meticulous planning and strong leadership across all levels. The Premier’s support, the coordination among local authorities, and the dedication of officials like Datuk Hii Chang Kee (CEO of SUKMA) were crucial. Having 37 sports in nine divisions was unprecedented, but our team managed to pull it off seamlessly.
Were there any specific challenges Sarawak faced during the preparations, and how did you overcome them?
Logistics were a major challenge. Organising events across nine divisions, each with its own set of complexities, was not easy. But we empowered local leaders to handle issues independently, which kept everything running smoothly. Another challenge was financial – many states hesitated to host after Covid-19 due to costs, but Sarawak stepped up, confident in our ability to deliver.
With this SUKMA victory, what are your plans to maintain Sarawak’s momentum going forward?
It’s essential to start preparing immediately. Post-mortems are already underway to identify areas of improvement. We need continuous competitions to sustain momentum – waiting until the next major tournament is not an option. The Borneo Games, inter-divisional games, and other grassroots events will help us develop talent consistently.
Many attribute Sarawak’s SUKMA victory to the state’s leadership. What role do you think your ministry and leadership played in this success?
Leadership plays a significant role in any field – whether in politics, sports, or business. A leader must set clear goals and foster teamwork. For SUKMA, it was about getting everyone on the same page. The Premier’s unwavering support was crucial, but equally important was the involvement of the athletes, officials, and volunteers. Coordination among the ministry, the Sarawak Sports Corporation, and the local authorities ensured that all the pieces fit together.
Were there any particular challenges with the athletes or associations during the preparations?
Yes, there are always challenges. Some sports associations are still grappling with internal politics, and in certain cases, parents can interfere by pushing their children to participate, even when the athletes aren’t ready. We’ve been working with these associations, encouraging them to focus on merit. Another challenge was the logistics of having competitions across nine divisions. It was demanding, but decentralising decision-making helped us overcome many hurdles.
With Sarawak’s victory, how do you see the future of sports in the state?
The momentum we’ve built must continue. This isn’t just about winning one championship – it’s about creating a long-term structure where our athletes can thrive. We are looking at expanding grassroots programmes and holding more competitions, such as the Borneo Games. If we maintain this trajectory, Sarawak will not only dominate SUKMA but become a sports powerhouse nationally and even regionally.
What are your plans for talent development moving forward?
We are focusing on grooming athletes from a young age. Talent identification must start early, with some sports beginning at seven or eight years old, like in diving. The Sarawak Sports Corporation and sports associations need to ensure a continuous pipeline of talent. We also need to address the development of elite athletes alongside grassroots sports to maintain a balance. For example, athletes who excel at the youth level must have the opportunity to transition smoothly into elite programmes.
How does Sarawak’s approach to sports differ from other states, and what makes it successful?
I believe Sarawak’s success lies in our holistic approach. It’s not just about sports – it’s about building a culture that values excellence. Our community support is unparalleled; people in towns like Sri Aman filled stadiums just to support the athletes. Moreover, we look at sports not only as a competitive field but also as a way to foster unity and economic growth. The tourism sector, local businesses, and even media outlets like TVS have benefited from the exposure during SUKMA.
Sir, you mentioned your discussions with YB Hannah Yeoh (Sports Minister, Malaysia) about hosting larger events. Could Sarawak be ready for the SEA Games?
Yes, we are prepared. Sarawak has proven its capability to host large-scale events. If we were to host part of the SEA Games, it would not only boost tourism but also elevate our standing internationally. We are already exploring the possibility of building a velodrome to strengthen our cycling infrastructure. Hosting events of this magnitude also means financial commitment, but I believe we are ready to contribute.
You’ve spoken about the need to strike a balance between grassroots and elite sports development. How do you ensure that grassroots programmes receive sufficient attention?
We must remember that champions are born at the grassroots level. It’s vital that we organise regular inter-divisional competitions and scout talent continuously. We cannot wait until a year before SUKMA to start preparing. We also need to engage schools and communities to promote sports among children. Programmes like Sarawak Games and inter-school events are essential to building a strong foundation.
What are some of the memorable moments for you during SUKMA 2024?
There were many moments that made me proud, but one that stood out was the overwhelming public support. Seeing packed stadiums in smaller towns like Bintulu and Sri Aman was heart-warming. I also remember the anxiety during the final hours before the closing ceremony. Everyone, including the Premier, was glued to their screens, hoping for our athletes to secure those final gold medals. The euphoria when we were declared champions was indescribable.
How did you manage to coordinate so many stakeholders effectively for such a large-scale event?
It was all about decentralisation. We empowered local leaders to make decisions without waiting for instructions from the headquarters. This level of delegation ensured that things ran smoothly even in remote divisions. It was also crucial that we had dry runs and rehearsals to iron out any potential issues. Datuk Hii Chang Kee, as the CEO of the organising committee, played a key role in ensuring everything was in order.
Sir, what is your vision for Sarawak’s youth and sports development in the next decade?
My vision is to see Sarawak become a sports powerhouse not just within Malaysia but across the region. We need to keep investing in infrastructure, programmes, and people. But beyond medals and championships, I want sports to be a platform for youth development. Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience – qualities that are essential for future leaders and entrepreneurs. With the right mindset, Sarawak’s youth can achieve great things both on and off the field.
What message do you have for the people of Sarawak, especially the youth, as they look toward future sporting success?
This victory belongs to every Sarawakian. The passion and unity we’ve seen during SUKMA were incredible, and I hope it inspires our youth to aim higher, not just in sports but in life. With the right support from the government and community, I believe Sarawak can become a long-term sports powerhouse. Let’s keep this momentum going and build on this legacy.
Finally, Sir, what legacy do you hope to leave in the field of sports and youth development in Sarawak?
I want my legacy to be one of sustained excellence and opportunity. It’s not just about winning medals but about creating a culture where every Sarawakian feels empowered to pursue their passion – whether in sports, business, or any other field. I hope that in the years to come, Sarawak will be known as a state that nurtures talent, values unity, and continuously strives for excellence.
