Datuk R. Ramanan has urged the Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (CIM) to intensify its efforts in training cooperative members, particularly in management. The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister emphasized the growing demand for competent and organized management and governance in the cooperative movement.
Ramanan stated, “I have asked CIM to take a stand that we have to provide training to all 7.34 million members of cooperatives across the country, which translates to 20 per cent of the Malaysian population.” He emphasized the critical role of CIM in training the estimated 15,000 cooperatives in Malaysia in essential business and operational activities for cooperative management.
At the Memasyarakatkan Koperasi (Maskop) Madani 2024 programme, Ramanan highlighted the importance of the cooperatives movement in addressing the country’s cost of living issues and economic uncertainty. He emphasized the potential of the cooperative movement and its increasing involvement in key areas such as tourism, farming, finance, real estate, retail, and wholesale.
Ramanan also noted the need for a more competent and well-planned approach to cooperative governance in light of these developments.
The deputy minister further expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting CIM in achieving the cooperative education agenda and aspirations, emphasizing the crucial role of the Malaysian Cooperative Societies Commission and Angkatan Kebangsaan Koperasi Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) in providing scholarships and study loans for students at Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM).
Additionally, Ramanan congratulated Batu MP P. Prabakaran on his appointment as his successor at the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) Special Committee. He expressed hope that Prabakaran would continue the work closely with the National Unity Ministry to manage Mitra effectively.
Overall, the article emphasizes R. Ramanan’s call for enhanced training for cooperative members and the ministry’s support for CIM’s role in achieving the cooperative education agenda.
