SABERKAS receives grant of RM500,000 from state government

KUCHING: The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) has received a grant of RM500,000 from the state government.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement in conjunction with the organisation’s 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary.

He assured that the state government will continue to provide assistance to SABERKAS in the future with Sarawak’s increasing revenue.

“If the state receives more revenue in the following year, probably you (SABERKAS) will also receive more allocation in the future,” he said in speech during the anniversary celebration ceremony at a leading hotel here on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari praised the leadership of SABERKAS for its effective management throughout its establishment.

“The management and constitution of SABERKAS is unique because no other organisation in Malaysia has 30 percent experienced members while the remaining 70 percent are young individuals.

“In such a situation, we have the experience to train young people, especially in Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari said with Sarawak’s diverse population where its people are of different background, ethnicity and religion, balancing the needs of everyone while training new leaders is not an easy task.

“That is why we (SABERKAS) can survive for 50 years, and I am pretty sure we can survive the next 50 years.

“I have also been informed that SABERKAS branches in this state have increased, and the interest of young people to participate in SABERKAS activities has increased from all ethnic groups,” he said.

The Premier said in the past, there was a prevailing notion that the organisation mainly catered only to the Bumiputera which is not true as it also has membership from the Chinese.

“Thus, we must work together as a team because we want to protect Sarawak, for Sarawak to become the jewel of Malaysia, inclusivity is our way,” he said.

During the event, Abang Johari also launched a compilation book of SABERKAS’ 50th Golden Jubilee.

Abang Johari (centre) look into the compilation book of SABERKAS’ 50th Golden Jubilee while Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (3rd right), SABERKAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (3rd left) and others look on.