Hornbill design on Affin Bank card not an issue, says Abdul Karim
Affin Bank has clarified that the Kenyalang debit card design was inspired by the Sarawak state crest and state flag.
KUCHING: The hornbill design on Affin Bank's Kenyalang debit card for Sarawakians should not have become an issue, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the bank had good intentions in displaying a hornbill on the card, regardless of the species depicted.
"I think what Affin has done is something good. Why must you narrow it down to this hornbill or that hornbill?
"This is making a mountain out of a molehill," he said after the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday (May 19).
The card's design was criticised by DAP's Pending assemblyman Violet Yong last week, who claimed it did not depict the rhinoceros hornbill, Sarawak's state bird.
Instead, she said it showed a great hornbill, which is not found in Sarawak.
However, Abdul Karim said there was no need to call attention to the hornbill species as the bird generally represents Sarawak.
"The bird on the card is a hornbill, so what is the issue? Personally, I see no need to change the design," he said.
Earlier on Monday, Affin clarified that the Sarawak state crest - which features a hornbill and the state flag - inspired the Kenyalang debit card design.
"The design featured is a symbolic creation, thoughtfully blending elements of the state crest as a tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural legacy," it said in a statement.
The bank also thanked the public for their support and interest in the Kenyalang card.
"Our priority is to ensure that our creativity and designs genuinely reflect what matters to the community we serve. Your feedback guides us and we remain committed to celebrating Sarawak with authenticity, pride, and respect," it added.
The card was introduced last month as part of Affin's Kenyalang savings account for Sarawakians.
The Sarawak government currently holds a 31.25% stake in the bank following its acquisition of shares from the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) and Boustead Holdings Berhad last year.
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First, the power balance shifted from one heavily federally dominated to one of state dominance as a result of the mutual understanding, which gives Sarawak increased authority over the extraction, development, and production of O&G resources inside its borders. This includes greater control over operational choices, profit-sharing, and direct access to its natural resources. Additionally, the deal enables Sarawak to develop its O&G industry knowledge and capabilities, generating jobs and promoting technological development in the state. Sarawak can strengthen its position and ensure future prosperity by ensuring that future development is in line with its nuanced needs and priorities rather than being limited by federal interests. This can be achieved by having a defining say in resource management decisions. * Toman Mamora is 'Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022', recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value. MA63 oil and gas PDA Petronas Petros sarawak
