Upholding Cooperative Philosophy Is Key To Success By Hussin HJ

Bandar Seri Begawan - After going through thick and thin during my two and the half years stint in Sarawak, weaker cooperatives, especially in rural areas are beginning to appreciate the use of computers in their daily transaction.

It is a more systematic management practice and a substantial increase in the socioeconomic beings of members," said Hjh Hayati Mohd Salleh, the former director of the Cooperative College of Malaysia (CCM), Sarawak branch during an interview prior to her departure to Sabah to attend a seminar after completing her five-day working visit to Brunei Darussalam recently. "Compared to cooperatives in West Malaysia, Sarawak lags behind in terms of infrastructure and education. I encounter a great deal of difficulty when I first arrived in 2004. On the onset, I revised the curriculums and introduced tailor-made training courses for local communities. For cooperatives leaders who were busy to attend formal classes, I arranged a unique 10-month sandwich programme specific to their requirements. Upon completion, they become more focus and committed," she added in great enthusiasm.

Undeniably, Hjh Hayati, 52, is one of the dynamic leaders who have a 30-year experience in cooperatives at her disposal. She is a popular figure both in Malaysia and Brunei. She makes regular visits to the Sultanate in the 80's to give assistance and guidance to officials from the Department of Cooperative Development.

To date, the officials from BINA are undergoing various trainings in Malaysia, sponsored by CCM, through the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) annually.

Hailed from Bath Pahat, Johor and blessed with four children, Hjh Hayati holds a diploma in Accounting from Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM) in 1975 (Now known as Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara (UITM). She also holds a bachelor's degree in Law from the same institute (2004). In addition, she has obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Management (Ohio University, USA-1983) and MBA from Leeds University, England - 1996).

Currently, she is pursuing a PHD in Corporate Governance on a part-time basis. Returning from Sarawak this year, she attached to MKM headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor to lead MKM's Centre of Administration, Law and Leadership. Looking back through the pages of history, cooperative movement was created by Robert Owen and Dr William King at the end of the 18" century in England. However, the efforts of Robert Owen were momentarily disrupted due to the lack of awareness among cooperative members on the need to change their attitude, should they want to raise their standard of ~ivmg. His efforts were continued by one of his followers, Jacob I-Iolyoake, who organised a cooperative meeting in Rochdale in 1843.

Holyoake, together with 28 attendees of meeting, also known as Rochdale Pioneers, outlined the basic principles and methods that its members had to adhere to ensure the success of their cooperatives. These principles have become a point of reference for the cooperatives movement all over the world.

In Malaysia, cooperative movement began in 1922 when a Department of Cooperative Development was setup by Sir A Cavendish. He was also appointed as a Registrar of Cooperatives.

In 1923, the Federated Malay States Post and Telegraph Cooperative Thrift and Loan Society Limited was registered with the new department.

In succeeding years, more cooperatives were registered signalling the dawn of cooperative, development in Malaya. Based on 2005 statistic, 4,771 have been registered with members reaching 5.68 million. The modal share is amounting to RM6.84 billion with a whopping asset of RM34.86 billion. Business sectors include credit, services, hotels, agriculture, real estate, tourism and many more. As for CCM, it is placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MELD).

"Irrespective numbers of registered cooperatives, amount of shares and assets accumulation, the vital factor is solidarity among members because without members, it is worthless. A member is an important component that controls it democratically and eventually determines the future direction of the cooperatives.

"Members should be sensitive to economic changes; upgrade the management standard and raise the effectiveness of human resources. Cooperative leaders must fully understand the philosophy of cooperative business by applying the values and principles in every day's management. An administration must be focused-oriented to professionalism and moves towards entrepreneurship," she said.

On joint collaboration aspect, she does not see why both countries cannot cooperate. Brunei could send their members to undergo trainings in cooperative administration, accountancy, law and leadership at CCM in the near future.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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