On UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I had the rare opportunity to discuss briefly with The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad the needs of women and youth from hardcore poor communities and to explain what we need from the Government.
Story by Federation President Anusha Santhirasthipam
I also discussed the importance of Inclusiveness and Shared Prosperity with Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, YB Senator Dr Radzi Jidin and Mohd Nizam Mahshar, Chief Executive Officer, MASA Institute who is credited with masterminding Malaysia's Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
Miraculous action happens when we have the right leaders at the right time in the right places who are genuinely willing to listen to the grassroots "pain points" of everyday people, recognise shortcomings and bureaucratic bottlenecks, educate and empower government officials to take pride and ownership in the poverty alleviation programmes with their hearts and souls. We need a "whole society" approach to solve problems.
Poverty eradication is a shared responsibility and we discussed how to achieve multi stakeholder engagement, how to develop credible solutions, smart collaborations and purposeful partnerships in areas that will make the biggest impact. Equal access to education and skills training, job creation, social enterprises and a better social security system for all are high priorities.