Assessment, intelligence processes used when selecting appointments for community leaders, not through election, says PBB leader

KUCHING, Feb 12 2026: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersat (PBB)  information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has explained that the appointments of community leaders and village headmen are made through assessment and intelligence process, not through election.

Abdul Karim: Appointments of community leaders are made through an assessment process by relevant parties and confirmed at the highest level

He said they need to have knowledge, good character, understand the community they are leading and have a belief.

“Appointments are made through an assessment process by relevant parties and confirmed at the highest level," he said when asked by reporters on calls by certain quarters that the community leaders and headmen be elected by the communities themselves.

Karim, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, said the age limit and increased allowances implemented by the government are among the improvements to ensure that the KMKK appointment system remains relevant and effective.

Karim, who is also Sarawak United Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president, said the organisation has successfully conducted 162 programmes and activities across the state during the period July 2025 to January 2026, reflecting its active role in empowering youth and communities.

He said the programmes included workshops, sports, culture, welfare and skills training implemented at the state, branch and unit levels.

“During the seven-month period, a total of 162 programmes and activities were held by SABERKAS at the state, branch and unit levels,” he said at a press conference after the Saberkas supreme committee meeting today.

He said the total membership of the organisation now reaches 56,750 as of January 31, 2026, including 1,387 members in institutions of higher learning.

According to him, among the main programs planned this year are the Saberkas President's Cup Futsal Championship in May and the Bubur Lambuk programme which has become an iconic annual activity.

He described the current development of Saberkas as very encouraging with various programs held almost every week throughout Sarawak, thus producing a line of young leaders who have potential for the future of the state.