Abdul Karim hopes new Sarawakian deputy ministers prioritise sports, tourism development in state
by Matthew Umpang · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 17): Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed hope for smooth cooperation with Sarawak’s newly appointed federal deputy ministers in advancing sports and tourism development in the state following the recent Federal Cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the 1st Sarawak Business Events Forum 2025, the State Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development congratulated the appointees and urged them to prioritise initiatives for Sarawak.
“Although there are no new full ministers (from Sarawak), we now have two deputy ministers namely Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol and Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.
“Mordi has been appointed Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, replacing Adam Adli, while Chiew is now Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture,” he said.
Abdul Karim noted that both deputies are new to federal roles and will need time to adjust, and when they do, he said their responsibility is not only for Sarawak but for the whole of Malaysia.
“It will not be easy, especially for newcomers. We hope they will continue to give priority to sports and tourism development in Sarawak,” he said.
He also praised outgoing minister Hannah Yeoh for her support in organising the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and preparing for the SEA Games 2027, which Sarawak will co-host with three other states.
“I will miss her, as she has been instrumental in assisting us. Our hope is that the new minister will continue what has been set in motion.
“Of course, there may be new policies, but the plans already approved by the federal Cabinet for SEA Games 2027 will be continued,” Abdul Karim said.
He revealed plans to pay a courtesy call to the new sports minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, describing him as “very young” but expressing confidence in building a productive working relationship.
Abdul Karim emphasised that continuity and cooperation between federal and state levels are key to keeping major sporting and tourism projects on track.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the Federal Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, marking his second major realignment since taking office.
Among the Sarawakian appointees, Mordi of DAP and Chiew of PKR have assumed deputy ministerial roles for the first time at the federal level.
Three other Sarawak MPs were also reassigned: Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni to Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib to Deputy Health Minister, and Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii to Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister.