SIBU: Members of the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) should not join the youth organisation solely with the hope of being selected as candidates in state or parliamentary elections, its president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
He said members should instead focus on serving the community and contributing to the organisation, with political opportunities coming naturally from their dedication and leadership qualities.
Speaking at the SABERKAS 18th Tri-annual Assembly here, Abdul Karim expressed his appreciation to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state leadership for continuing to look towards SABERKAS when selecting candidates for elections.
“We take great pride in the fact that, among all the organisations in Sarawak, SABERKAS has produced the highest number of candidates to contest in both state and parliamentary elections,” he said.
He said although the Premier might not explicitly announce that he was looking at SABERKAS when selecting candidates, an analysis of the backgrounds of members of the State Legislative Assembly showed that more than 20 to 30 per cent had come from the organisation.
“However, it is my hope that people do not join SABERKAS solely with the expectation of becoming election candidates.
“Instead, one should focus on engaging with and serving the community. When we consistently do this, the top leadership will observe whether we are sincere in our service to the community,” he said.
Abdul Karim said those who demonstrated commitment and sincerity in serving the people could eventually be entrusted with greater responsibilities, including leadership roles at constituency, state and national levels.
He also stressed that SABERKAS must continue to evolve in tandem with the changing needs and aspirations of today’s youth.
“This transformation must begin with the leadership holding positions at the unit, branch and state levels,” he said.
Abdul Karim said youth activities in Sarawak had continued to be strengthened through various programmes covering sports, education, the economy and entrepreneurship, women’s affairs, as well as social and community engagement.
He said these activities should also serve as a platform to promote unity among Sarawak’s diverse communities.
“SABERKAS is a platform for us to instill a spirit of tolerance and understanding, especially regarding the sensitivities of each race and religion,” he said.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s multi-racial and multi-religious character made it particularly important for young people to understand and appreciate cultural and religious diversity.
He said political parties in Malaysia had historically often been associated with race and religion, making a plural organisation such as SABERKAS important in nurturing young people who could appreciate diversity.
“If from that platform we are elevated to another level to govern the state and also the country, I believe that the leaders we produce from this platform are leaders whose soul and spirit encompass all races, religions and cultural diversity,” he said.
Abdul Karim said SABERKAS must therefore continue playing its role as an important medium for shaping positive character among youths and strengthening racial unity.
He said the organisation should strive to produce Sarawakian youth with a strong sense of identity, dynamism and resilience to face future challenges.
“Therefore, SABERKAS must play its role as the main medium for the formation of positive character in youth and unity between races to create Sarawakian youth who have an identity, dynamism and a strong spirit to face any future challenges,” he said.
