KOTA KINABALU, June 24 (Bernama) – All agencies and subsidiaries under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) are required to make a profit as a catalyst for change, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Minister of Rural and Regional Development said that each agency and subsidiary involved is targeted to make a profit within a year, while subsidiaries that do not generate profits can be subject to management buyout or closure.
“We must do something extraordinary under ordinary circumstances. I do not just issue orders but I am hands-on, go down and give some guidance for them.
“We will see whether the key performance indicators (KPIs) are achieved or not. If not achieved, why? And if achieved, we must improve further,” he told reporters after officiating the Sabah Women's Empowerment Programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre here, today.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, Mara chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Sabah Community Development Department (KEMAS) chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Women's Empowerment Programme organised by Mara, was attended by more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs throughout the state with various activities including business matching sessions and guidance directly with related agencies.
Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said that KKDW carries out retreats involving top management and senior officials of ministries, departments and related agencies every two years to introduce ideas that can be 'agents of change' towards transforming the service delivery system to ensure that it meets the needs of the target group.
He said the retreat was also the best approach in strengthening engagement among ministry officials who were also seen to be committed to fully supporting every 'change-making' idea introduced
"If this can be done in all other ministries, I think that catering to the needs and tastes of the people can be done. We are confident that any dissatisfaction can be overcome not only by explanations but by carrying out programmes that the people can feel.
"We must show the wow factor to our target groups according to segments," he said.
Commenting on the programme, Ahmad Zahid said it was a significant effort to strengthen the potential and talent of women in the field of entrepreneurship, besides reflecting continued support for capacity development and competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in the state.
He said the programme was also a strategic field to build business networks, share knowledge and strengthen understanding of the MARA entrepreneurial ecosystem, and it is even a space for new entrepreneurs to receive training, guidance and financing facilities to expand their businesses.
"Sabah women have extraordinary potential as the key pillar in generating rural and national economic growth. Therefore, I hope that MARA will continue to play an important role as a catalytic agency in producing more competent, resilient and ready-to-face women entrepreneurs today," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the MADANI government has always been highly committed to empowering women through a comprehensive approach that includes access to financing, intensive guidance as well as inclusive and sustainable market support.
According to him, the programme initiative is in line with the capacity development agenda for women entrepreneurs implemented by MARA at various levels involving 60 parliamentary constituencies nationwide.
-- BERNAMA
