“During elections, we fight. But for youth devt, we unite.” — GPS minister on working with opposition leaders

Abdul Karim (third left) and Dr Taufiq (fourth left) exchange jerseys bearing their names while others look on during the Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) programme in Kampung Semeba, Kuching on April 27, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 27: Political differences do not stand in the way when it comes to youth development, says Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said he and Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports) Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu are from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), while federal Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and his deputy Mordi Bimol are from Pakatan Harapan (PH), but all remain united in youth-related efforts.

“We are from different parties, but when it comes to responsibility to develop our youth, we are together.

“This is because we want to see the next generation who will take over our State, our country and our society in the future are those with the spirit to bring change and to bring good to the community, the State and also our nation,” he said when speaking during the closing of the Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) townhall session in Kampung Semeba today.

Addressing youths, Karim said political competition may exist during elections, but collaboration remains essential when it comes to nation-building and youth empowerment.

“During elections, we fight. But when it comes to the responsibility of developing society, especially when we are entrusted to develop the youth, we do not want our youth to be spoiled.

“What we want to see in you is the spirit to improve yourselves to a higher level, to develop our State and our country. That is what we want in each and every one of you,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Taufiq said the KIBAR programme serves as an important platform to ensure no youth is left behind in national development.

He said the initiative aims to build confident, focused and globally competitive young people, capable of contributing not only at national level but also across ASEAN and internationally.

“That is why, together with the Sarawak government, we want to ensure that we are able to produce more young leaders through leadership programmes,” he said.

The KIBAR programme will continue nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots youth engagement and leadership development. — DayakDaily