KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan hopes that the Indian Community Cooperatives Conference 2024 (PKKI 2024) will empower Indian cooperatives and uplift the community's economic standing.
"The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (Kuskop) hopes that through PKKI 2024, Indian community cooperatives can be further empowered to help improve the economy of the Indian community in this country," he said in the logo launch event at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat.
The PKKI 2024 logo was a lotus flower, symbolising purity, potential and spiritual significance in Hinduism, Ramanan said.
He explained that this will be the first cooperative conference of its kind.
"PKKI 2024 is the first conference to be held in over 100 years since the cooperative movement began in this country," Ramanan added.
He further highlighted the significance of addressing challenges faced by Indian cooperatives.
"I intend to hear directly about the issues raised by Indian community cooperatives and Kuskop will make every effort to help resolve the issues raised," he said in emphasising the ministry's commitment to support the community.
The importance of the cooperative movement was also highlighted.
"It cannot be denied that the cooperative movement has become one of the key contributors in benefiting the socio-economic welfare of the community," he said.
However, Ramanan pointed out that Indian cooperatives were still underrepresented, noting that out of 15,809 cooperatives nationwide, only three per cent were Indian community cooperatives with 249,599 members.
The conference would also serve as an opportunity to showcase success stories like the National Land Finance Cooperative Society (NLFCS) Bhd, which is a premier Indian community cooperative.
"I sincerely hope that the upcoming PKKI 2024 will serve as a platform for Indian community cooperatives to gain exposure to the initiatives and incentives offered by Kuskop," Ramanan ssid.
The conference will also promote good governance practices among cooperatives.
"Through PKKI 2024, I also hope that cooperatives will be exposed to good governance practices, ensuring that cooperative values, philosophy, and principles remain at the core of cooperatives in providing the best services and benefits to their members and the community," Ramanan said.
On Sept 28, Ramanan refuted claims that the prime minister had neglected the Indian community.
He said the Indian community's response to government initiatives had been encouraging, but there was a need for better awareness and sharing of benefits.