RM3 MILLION FOR SARAWAK'S 5-YEAR FOOTBALL PLAN

KUCHING, May 19, 2009 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Social Development and Urbanization has estimated an expenditure of RM3 million or RM600,000 annually for the state's five-year football development plan, its minister Datuk William Mawan said today.

He said the development plan aimed to achieve the following targets -- Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2012 (quarter-finals), Sukma 2014 (final), President/Youth Cup 2012 (quarter-finals), President/Youth Cup 2013 (final) and a strong senior team for the Malaysia League in 2014.

"The success will depend largely on the availability of budget and sponsors and I, therefore, urge both the government and corporate sectors to contribute generously towards these programmes," he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here.

Mawan said the plan included setting up the Sarawak Football Development Steering Committee (SFDSC), putting the Sarawak Sports Council to be in charge of football development in the State, while the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) would now concentrate on the senior team and the Malaysia League.

He also said the youth team (currently playing in the President Cup under 20) would be placed directly under the Sarawak Sports Council which would groom them up to become the backbone players for the Senior Team.

SARAWAK ORDER PROBE ON MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF YOUTH PLAYER

KUCHING, Feb 16, 2009 (Bernama) - The state government has directed the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to submit a full report on the death of Rojes Enoos, 18, who died under mysterious circumstances while representing the state in an Under-19 national youth tournament on July 5, last year.

Sarawak Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Datuk Seri William Mawan said the full report must include a post-mortem report conducted by a medical officer.

"I have not received a full report (on Rojes' death) or a post- mortem report yet. However, we will look into the matter seriously," he told reporters after presenting the Anugerah Tokoh Wanita 2008 award to Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) President, Datuk Ursula Thomas Dunpangol here today.

Though he did not indicate a definite time for the submission of the report, Mawan said the ministry would take the necessary action based on the report received from FAS, including the possibility of compensation to the family.

"This is an unprecedented incident. We must listen to both sides of the story. If there was any way we can show our compassion we will look into it," he said.

Hartlepool stint for Sarawak trio

New Straits Times, Oct 22, 2008 | by Nancy Nais

THREE Sarawak players have been selected to undergo a two-month training stint with the English Division One football club Hartlepool.

State Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, Datuk Seri Willam Mawan Ikom said the trio - Mohd Shahrol Shaperi, 24, Joseph Kalang Tie, 21, and Zamri Morshidi, 25 - will leave on Oct 28.

Proud of the players, Mawan said he hoped they will use this opportunity to improve, and on their return, impart their knowledge to other local players.

"More importantly, they can help to revive Sarawak's past glory in football," Mawan said at a press conference yesterday.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) technical director Robert Alberts is tipped to become Sarawak's new head coach.

NEW FOOTBALL CLUB FOR SARAWAK

KUCHING, May 13, 2008 (Bernama) - A new full-fledged professional football club focusing solely on winning major football trophies for Sarawak is to be formed soon to revive the dwindling standard of the state's game in major tournaments.

Sarawak Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Datuk Seri William Mawan Ikom said that with the proposed formation of the club, the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) would take on the new role of mainly implementing the long-term football development programme with his ministry and the Education Department.

"The steering committee has been formed comprising myself, officials from FAS and officials from English Division One club Hartlepool," he told reporters after the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Mawan had wound up debate on his ministry at the meeting.

Mawan said the new club was expected to be jointly managed by his ministry and the private sector with a more organised and professional approach.