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SARAWAK Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah will continue as a state minister despite his defeat in the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu vice-presidency contest, said Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"There is no need for any reshuffle to the State Cabinet … he continues as usual.
"Both winners and losers still have roles to play in the state government," he said.
Karim yesterday had offered to give up his state cabinet post following his defeat in the PBB vice-presidency election if the Sarawak Premier decides to reshuffle the State Cabinet.
Karim, who is also State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, had said he will meet with Johari to discuss this.
"I respect the decision by the party delegates and accept my defeat.
"I am willing to step down from the State Cabinet if the Premier decides to reshuffle it in line with the party delegates decision.
"Usually the cabinet post takes into consideration the development in the party.
"So if the Premier wants, I will let go of the ministerial post," he said.
Karim said he is not upset by the defeat and will continue to serve in whatever capacity as decided by the Premier.
Karim is known to be very vocal in speaking his mind on political and social issues relating to state and national levels.
PBB is the backbone party of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak ruling state government.
The other GPS component parties are Sarawak United Peoples Party, Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Progressive Democratic Party. – February 17, 2025