Timely contribution: Anwar presenting a mock compensation cheque to Helen Tracy Walter, wife of the late Sjn Perumal Sugunanathan, during the 90th annual general delegates meeting of the police cooperative in Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Saifuddin Nasution (left) and Razarudin. — Bernama
One project to police cooperative can benefit over 100,000, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to award suitable projects to the police cooperative (Koperasi Polis Diraja Malaysia Bhd) in lieu of providing it additional funds, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he preferred awarding projects directly to the cooperative, which is under the Home Ministry, instead of extending financial grants.
He said he would approve two or three projects to the cooperative this year to get things going, reminding that the initiative must be anchored on good governance principles.
“If one project is approved by the Finance Ministry, over 100,000 members stand to gain. So, instead of us injecting direct financial grants, it’s better to give them projects.
“Since it is not a private company, we can give them priority and start with several IPDs (district police headquarters) first.
“We will make sure that there is a proper work scope and that the pricing is reasonable,” Anwar said during the 90th annual general delegates meeting of the cooperative held at a hotel here yesterday.
Also present was Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, pledged to closely monitor the projects undertaken by the police cooperative, adding that the government will consider increasing the number next year if things are up to mark.
He also said the government would consider reducing or writing off the cooperative’s irrecoverable debts.
“I’ve read and considered it, and I don’t think it is appropriate to write off everything.
“But I feel that based on the cooperative’s good performance and improved management now, we will give a reasonable reduction,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said the police cooperative reports would be vetted by him and the Home Ministry.
“I’ll monitor how we can work with the Finance Ministry. I will also direct the Second Finance Minister to find alternative ways to support the cooperative in order to ensure that the profits it makes will benefit its members,” he said, adding that many wanted to join the police cooperative.
Anwar also reminded those who attended, especially the top management, to adhere to good management and governance.
“Look how at how many companies and cooperatives have failed previously, and how many government agencies we are forced to keep shouldering.
“This is all because of poor management.
“Some people tend to forget when they are given a high position and spend at will,” said Anwar.
