Cooperation Between Community And Govt Agencies Key to Ensure Programmes Achieve Objectives - Amir Hamzah

PUCHONG, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Comprehensive and proactive cooperation and involvement between the local community and the agencies involved are crucial to ensuring that every government programme has a positive impact on the people. 

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the local community's acceptance and commitment from the agencies involved could ensure that each programme implemented achieves the set objectives. 

He said that when (programmes) are done in the right way and are continued properly (by the local community), we will have the success (that we aim for).

“We see friends (entrepreneurs) who have indeed succeeded, as they started with nothing and now have their own shops.

"That is the way CIMB and the MADANI government have done it. We are not just providing support, as we want to build an ecosystem that will grow, where we invest in building communities," he told reporters after officiating the “Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung Santuni MADANI Programme” launch ceremony organised by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd here today. 

Through the Santuni MADANI programme, CIMB has allocated RM3.6 million over two years to drive long-term and positive impact for approximately 9,000 residents in four people’s housing projects (PPR) by strengthening capacity building, offering skills development opportunities, providing access to quality education and fostering sustainable living.

Santuni MADANI is a government initiative involving leaders from various federal ministries, agencies, departments, statutory bodies, government-linked investment companies and government-linked companies to bridge the socio-economic gap among underserved groups. 

In his officiating speech, Amir Hamzah said the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in efforts towards a more inclusive and sustainable Malaysia. 

"The programme spearheaded by CIMB demonstrates the important role of the private sector in empowering vulnerable groups and driving meaningful change through the Santuni MADANI initiative. 

“Its efforts to highlight the needs of all age groups by providing specific comprehensive support are appreciated, and this is in line with the government's goal of building a competitive and progressive society by reducing poverty, unemployment and school dropout,” he said. 

CIMB group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said that as a purpose-driven organisation, CIMB is committed to improving the quality of life of the community and expanding its social finance efforts to reach more communities, helping them build resilience, focusing on economic issues including underemployment, access to education and financial literacy.

“Through the programme, we aim to promote self-sufficiency, create lasting positive impact, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for individuals and families to elevate their economic standing,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the launch.

Novan said that the group’s initiatives are designed to provide the right tools, resources and skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods. 

“By focusing on economic empowerment and financial inclusion, we enable individuals to secure a brighter and more sustainable future.

“These efforts create ripple effects that drive meaningful and transformative change in communities,” he added.

-- BERNAMA