Malaysia: PM Believes Private Sector Can Make A Difference

Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has called on corporate Malaysia to assist the government in transforming the nation into a high income economy through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, according to the Malaysian Insider.

Najib was quoted as saying, at the Prime Minister CSR awards 2009 presentation ceremony:

The things [corporations] do in the next few years to help the government to raise educational standards, enhance healthcare, protect and improve the environment, alleviate poverty and hardship, are more important now than they have ever been.

Najib went on to say:

There is growing consensus among opinion leaders globally, that the corporate sector can make a huge difference in solving social and environmental problems.

This is putting increased pressure on corporations, particularly multinationals, to align their business strategies to national priorities in countries where they operate.

The first Prime Minister’s CSR awards was launched in 2007, and is helmed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. According to the Malaysian Insider, seventy companies submitted their applications to be considered for the award this year, with national oil company, Petronas being the overall winner, awarded for their initiatives in education, culture and heritage.

Intel Technology was recognised for their environmental efforts, CIMB Group for community and social welfare, the Truly Loving Company for small company CSR, Telekom Malaysia Bhd for workplace practices and Rampai Niaga Sdn Bhd for empowerment of women while Media Prima Bhd won the special award for media reporting.

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