KUCHING: A forthcoming memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sarawak and FC Barcelona will potentially see coaches and athletes traveling both ways, fostering shared growth and development in sports.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, revealed that ongoing discussions with the renowned Spanish club are moving beyond just football, aiming at a broader collaboration on sports development.
“FC Barcelona is not merely a football club; it is part of the state of Catalonia, which is the richest state in Spain and boasts a comprehensive sports ecosystem,” Abdul Karim said.
He explained that the collaboration being discussed would involve joint development programmes, including potential exchanges of coaches and athletes between Sarawak and Barcelona.
“These are the areas being formulated into the memorandum of understanding (MoU) and I hope to see it materialised,” he added.
Abdul Karim said the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has given his full support to the initiative, entrusting the ministry to pursue the partnership.
Recently, Abdul Karim hinted that the MoU could be signed as early as March this year, signaling progress toward formalising the partnership.
Notably, FC Barcelona has expressed a desire to work exclusively with Sarawak within Malaysia, having yet to establish similar collaborations with any other Malaysian states.
“From what has been given to us, the indication from them is that they only want it to be with Sarawak.
“No others. So far, Barcelona has not made any approach to any other part of Malaysia. Singapore has, the Philippines have,” he said during a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building II, held in conjunction with a courtesy visit by National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) Director-General, Azura Abidin, today.
Abdul Karim also mentioned the possibility of involving PETROS, the state’s oil and gas company, to further support the collaboration.
He reiterated that the partnership holds great promise not only for football but also for the overall development of sport in Sarawak.
“We feel humble and happy to be accorded such a warm reception from FC Barcelona, and they have also indicated that they are willing to work with us,” he said.
Abdul Karim’s working trip to Spain last October, during which he visited FC Barcelona to explore Catalonia’s integrated sports, culture and tourism ecosystem, paved the way for this collaboration.
