GOOD governance must underpin the development and operations of cooperatives to ensure the benefits of national economic growth are shared equitably among all Malaysians, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting of Koperasi Profesional Putrajaya Berhad (KOPROJAYA) in Putrajaya on Sunday, Anwar cautioned that even substantial financial resources fail to benefit the public when mismanaged or concentrated within exclusive, influential groups.
He said: “For me it is very important, because if we do not correct this, no matter how much money is acquired, it will not benefit the many as it will only yield returns to the same small, exclusive group.”
The Prime Minister emphasised, in a Facebook post, that cooperatives represent a broader socio-economic mission beyond simple dividend returns and profit margins, serving instead to foster collective economic resilience against corporate monopolies.
Drawing historical parallels to global reformists, Anwar cited Indonesia’s Mohammad Hatta, who viewed cooperatives as a vital mechanism for achieving economic equality and social justice during post-independence nation-building.
He also referenced India’s B.R. Ambedkar, noting that true democracy must dismantle oppressive social stratifications to elevate marginalized communities.
Anwar says he has integrated these global models into his administration’s domestic vision, drawing upon the Islamic principle of ta’awun, which emphasizes mutual cooperation to strengthen vulnerable societal segments.
He argued that within the state’s MADANI policy framework, national advancements in high-technology sectors—including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and energy transition—must ultimately deliver structural parity for the wider population.
“Justice does not mean providing the exact same thing to everyone,” Anwar said, adding that justice means ensuring every citizen receives opportunities according to their respective needs and circumstances, which encapsulates social justice and the concept of ‘adil wal ihsan’ which means to uphold human dignity and collective well-being. – June 14, 2026
