KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof has called for a stronger push towards grassroots self-reliance and inclusive growth.
He said Malaysia's development aspirations must ultimately be measured by the improvements in the lives of the people.
"Economic growth, infrastructure and national investments are important. But behind every development indicator, there is a human story," he said when opening the Rising Impact through Sustainable Empowerment (RISE) 2026 capacity-building programme and launching the "Empowering Communities, Building Sustainable Futures" book documenting community-led success stories here on Saturday (Nov 14).
Making an example of a farmer seeking a sustainable livelihood, a mother hoping for a better future for her children and a youth looking for career opportunities without having to leave her community, Fadillah said, these are the realities that must guide the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) Sarawak solution providers’ development agenda.
He said the people’s well-being is interconnected and progress is most meaningful when it is shared.
"This is particularly important for rural and underserved communities, including many across Sarawak, where geographical distances and differing levels of access to infrastructure, resources and opportunities present unique challenges," he said.
Despite the hurdles, Fadillah said the solution providers must never underestimate the capabilities of these communities.
He said the people in rural and underserved communities possess knowledge, skills, natural resources and social networks that have sustained generations.
"What they often need is not someone to tell them what to do, but a partner who can help them unlock their potential."
He said this is where APPGM-SDG's solution providers play an important role.
"A community that develops its own food production capacity becomes more resilient. A woman who acquires entrepreneurial skills gains greater economic independence and a young person who receives technical training gains the confidence and opportunity to shape his or her own future.
"When these opportunities are multiplied across communities, they become a powerful force for national development," he said.
Fadillah said a sustainable future can come not only from new technologies or modern development models, but also from the wisdom of local communities.
RISE, he said, represents the country’s investment in the people and organisations driving change, while the book captures the stories of communities that have translated opportunities into meaningful outcomes.
Both, he added, reminded him of the principle that sustainable development must not merely be delivered to communities.
"It must be built with communities and ultimately sustained by communities.
"Sustainable community development depends not only on the projects we implement today, but also on the strength of the people and organisations that will carry these initiatives forward tomorrow," he said.
Fadillah said that while funding is important in achieving programme goals, it does not guarantee sustainability.
He added that community organisations need sound governance, effective financial management, technical knowledge, leadership capabilities and access to wider networks and opportunities.
"Therefore, capacity building must not be viewed as a one-off programme," he said.
