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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Nuansa Seni 6.0 honours heritage artisans
Abdul Karim, flanked by Fatimah (sixth left) and Sharifah Suzana, in a group photo with the honourees of Nuansa Seni 6.0. Also seen are (from left) Snowdan, his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking and Sharifah Hasidah. KUCHING (July 21): Sustainability was the highlight of the 'Nuansa Seni Vol 6.0', staged at Hotel Waterfront here on Sunday night. The programme, themed 'Two Eras, One Soul', showcased collections by local designers – both seasoned and emerging – that incorporated Sarawak's traditional heritage arts such as 'keringkam' (Sarawak Malay's embroidered scarf), songket and batik, as well as other fine crafts. 'There's no new without the old. We honour all those who give patterns to this industry, which now welcomes new, young troops who bring along with them modern elements. 'However, as indicated by this programme's name, the changes should be 'nuanced' – meaning they are not drastic to a point that they pollute and destroy this art. 'That's the essence of our theme: 'two eras, one soul'. It reflects the ecosystem that we are advocating under the 'Nuansa Seni' concept. 'The sustainability message is also evident in the connection of those involved in this arts and heritage industry; between the practitioners, the consumers, and the environment,' said programme director Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran in her opening remarks. Models wear various styles of 'keringkam' from a collection that involves a collaboration of local teachers of this traditional textile art. On the start-up of Nuansa Seni, she said it began as an online programme during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago. 'Our first feature was an online fashion show. 'Now, we have reached the sixth edition. That said, this accomplishment also brings with it very high expectations in upholding our creations of the past and the future. 'Without disregarding the age-old arts and culture, we can construct the Sarawak identity through contemporary practices. 'This, to a degree, is a form of information exchange,' she added. Sharifah Suzana also spoke about a group of embroiderers whom she brought to a Nuansa Seni programme in Sibu last year. 'They brought along a few pieces of 'selayah' (smaller 'keringkam'). 'Since then, that small group has sold more than 50 pieces. 'Many of you here would know that a 'selayah' can fetch a price of RM3,000, so you can calculate it – they now achieve a sales value of over RM150,000. 'So this is what we're trying to do,' she pointed out. Many of the menswear collections featured in Nuansa Seni 6.0 represent a fusion of tradition and modern influences. Apart from a showcase of tradition-embedded couture and series of cultural stage performances, Nuansa Seni 6.0 also honoured a number of local arts and heritage activists. They are 'tikar bergerang' (traditional mat made from pandan leaves) grandmaster Ngot Bi; 'keringkam' experts Siti Sadiah Abang Nor Salleh, Mastura Sidek dan Noraini Zaidan; songket weavers Dayang Maslamah Abang Nor Salleh, Saanah Suhaili and Ramtiniwaiti Ramlee; traditional Sarawak Malay wedding make-up and style artist Kazuliah Mohammad Taufek; Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) chairperson Datu Dr Sabariah Putit; authority on Sarawak Malay arts, heritage and culture Sabri Nor; Sarawak Malay traditional couture specialist Danny Zulkifli; heritage advisor Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan; 'keringkam' arts activist Amirul Shazli Yusof; and traditional Sarawak embroidery and stitching arts expert Norlizawati Sane. The dignitaries present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, together with deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Husaini; Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; and Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PBB info chief denies talk of power struggle, says Sarawak politics rooted in respect
KUCHING, July 17 — Claims of a power struggle brewing in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) have been dismissed as the work of those with ulterior motives wishing to stir things up. PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was unfounded to claim PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is facing a challenge from PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan for the premier's post. 'As far as I know from being a member of the party as well as in the supreme council, I don't see there is any rivalry. 'There is always respect for the leader — the one who is higher than you in the Sarawak political hierarchy. That's how I noticed all these years,' he told reporters after launching the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 here today. He was responding to a Free Malaysia Today article titled 'Silent rivalry brewing in Sarawak over premiership?', which cited unnamed sources. Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak politics is grounded in a culture of respect and discipline, in contrast to the political dynamics seen elsewhere. 'I can't comment about other regions. In other regions, sometimes, those who are at the top, those who are at the bottom, want to jolok-jolok (provoke) to bring someone down. 'But it does not happen in Sarawak. We have our very deep culture of letting the top leader be in charge until such time when he feels that he needs to step down. Then they will look for whoever is going to replace them. That's what I see,' he explained. According to him, even during candidate selection for elections, PBB members have always shown discipline and loyalty. 'When it comes to PBB, there has never been anyone who has been dropped, complaining or revolting. Not that I know. They would willingly let go when told by the leader their time is up. 'We know this is normally one of the big problems in elections. Those who have been there for many years, they refuse to let go. And when let go, they go against you. They support the other side. This is not the culture in PBB,' he said. While pointing out he could not speak for other components within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he stressed PBB members have consistently demonstrated discipline and unity. 'So, all this speculation, all these rumours, I believe are just rumours by those who have got other ulterior motives behind it — mahu jolok sana, jolok sini (trying to stir things up),' he added. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Info chief dismisses claims of power struggle in PBB, says ulterior motives behind rumours
Abdul Karim fields questions from the media. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 17): Claims of a power struggle brewing in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) have been dismissed as the work of those with ulterior motives wishing to stir things up. PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was unfounded to claim PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is facing a challenge from PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan for the premier's post. 'As far as I know from being a member of the party as well as in the supreme council, I don't see there is any rivalry. 'There is always respect for the leader — the one who is higher than you in the Sarawak political hierarchy. That's how I noticed all these years,' he told reporters after launching the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 here today. He was responding to a Free Malaysia Today article titled 'Silent rivalry brewing in Sarawak over premiership?', which cited unnamed sources. Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak politics is grounded in a culture of respect and discipline, in contrast to the political dynamics seen elsewhere. 'I can't comment about other regions. In other regions, sometimes, those who are at the top, those who are at the bottom, want to jolok-jolok (provoke) to bring someone down. 'But it does not happen in Sarawak. We have our very deep culture of letting the top leader be in charge until such time when he feels that he needs to step down. Then they will look for whoever is going to replace them. That's what I see,' he explained. According to him, even during candidate selection for elections, PBB members have always shown discipline and loyalty. 'When it comes to PBB, there has never been anyone who has been dropped, complaining or revolting. Not that I know. They would willingly let go when told by the leader their time is up. 'We know this is normally one of the big problems in elections. Those who have been there for many years, they refuse to let go. And when let go, they go against you. They support the other side. This is not the culture in PBB,' he said. While pointing out he could not speak for other components within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he stressed PBB members have consistently demonstrated discipline and unity. 'So, all this speculation, all these rumours, I believe are just rumours by those who have got other ulterior motives behind it — mahu jolok sana, jolok sini (trying to stir things up),' he added. Abang Johari Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead PBB rivalry
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Borneo Junior Open squash tourney records most entries, 167 players from overseas
KUCHING (July 17): The Borneo Junior Open Squash Tournament has recorded its highest-ever turnout, said Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said 346 junior players from across Malaysia and 167 international players from 16 countries are competing in this year's edition. The growing participation reflects Sarawak's potential as a host for high-profile international sporting events, he said. 'This event provides a great platform for both local and international junior squash players to come together in Kuching for competitive games,' he said during the tournament's welcoming dinner last night. The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said this is a proud moment for Sarawak, not just because of the numbers, but because it places Sarawak firmly on the international squash map. He thanked the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS), Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, and long-time sponsor Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) for their commitment to developing the tournament. Abdul Karim said the state government would continue to support the organisation of both national and international sporting events in Sarawak. He also revealed that plans are in motion to upgrade squash facilities in the state to accommodate more courts and enable Sarawak to host more international-level events in future. 'We want to be ready and we want to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse,' he said. The 8th Borneo Junior Open 2025 Squash Tournament will run until July 20. Returning nations competing this year are Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States, while Canada, New Zealand, Russia, and Sri Lanka are making their debut appearances at the championship.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama
