Putrajaya: Governance must be a key pillar in the development of cooperatives and cooperative activities in the country to ensure economic benefits are enjoyed by all parties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Finance Minister emphasized that good management can enhance the performance of cooperatives, highlighting the importance of governance, effective separation of powers, and efforts to combat corruption.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stressed that if cooperatives in the country are well managed, their performance will be good. He pointed out the significance of addressing issues such as tackling corruption and the separation of powers, noting that neglecting these areas could result in funds benefiting only a small group rather than the public at large. Anwar made these remarks while speaking to reporters after launching the 10th annual general meeting of the Koperasi Profesional Putrajaya Berhad (KOPROJAYA).
The event was attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, KOPROJAYA chairman Saiful Azhar Shaharun, and more than 1,200 cooperative members. Anwar also emphasized the need for a proper understanding of the concepts of justice and compassion, asserting that they should be based on the actual needs of the people rather than racial or state sentiments.
He noted that poverty in the country is still prevalent among the Malay Bumiputera, as well as within the Indian community and rural areas. Anwar argued that attention should be given to these communities to address poverty effectively. He praised KOPROJAYA for its exemplary governance, which has led to commendable performance and can serve as a model for other cooperative movements.
Anwar highlighted that KOPROJAYA is a well-managed cooperative, with good governance contributing to its success. He congratulated the cooperative for its achievements. KOPROJAYA, officially established on June 21, 2013, under the Cooperative Societies Act 1993, has grown into a high-impact cooperative with 2,365 active members, total assets of RM17.93 million, and a business network spanning 13 active locations nationwide.