PUTRAJAYA: International film actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has been appointed as the first mentor under the 1Malaysia For Youth (1M4U) programme.
Among the first order of the day for Yeoh would be to raise awareness on crime prevention, road safety and promoting the country's beautiful eco-system.
Yeoh received the letter of appointment from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Prime Minister's Office here Tuesday.
Najib is also the chairman of the 1M4U board of trustees.
"I was very distraught when I heard about women, particularly, who were traumatised in carparks and by snatch thieves.
"We will (draw up a) campaign to make Malaysia safer and once we have the campaign in place, we will announce it," the Ipoh-born lass said.
It is learned that the campaign will focus on areas where women were particularly vulnerable, such as at carparks, areas near LRT stations and bus stops.
On road safety, Yeoh said it was a matter that was close to her heart.
"I spoke with the Prime Minister and he said there were 6,000 people dying of road accidents yearly.
"One death is not just one on its own. The person could be a breadwinner or if it is a young child, it is an immediate loss of a future," the former Bond girl said.
She also urged Malaysians to take on the spirit of volunteerism and to care and share among a community.
On her appointment as a 1M4U mentor, Yeoh said Najib had thanked her for taking on the role but added it was Najib whom she needed to thank instead.
"I've always wanted to come back to Malaysia to do more and we will be back to do more, especially with Visit Malaysia Year coming up next year.
"People need to be assured and not have to worry about whether they would feel safe or not," she said.
1M4U was launched on July 15 last year under the Government initiative to coordinate and promote youth volunteer activities.
Last week, Yeoh was among prominent personalities who received one of the highest honours awarded in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.
Yeoh, who is the Malaysia brand ambassador, had received the Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.), which carries the title “Tan Sri”.
She was among 22 other personalities who were conferred the award under the private sector, associations, voluntary and sports category.
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