PETALING JAYA – Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli is set to launch a new social enterprise platform named “Ayuh Malaysia” on July 27, aiming to create sustainable solutions for community development outside the realm of politics.
Rafizi, who recently stepped down as economy minister following his defeat in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy presidential race to Nurul Izzah Anwar, said the initiative had been long in the making and is part of his continued commitment to drive change at the grassroots level.
In a statement on July 9, Rafizi explained that Ayuh Malaysia is designed to function differently from traditional businesses or donation-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), by empowering local communities to engage in self-sustaining economic activities.
“Social enterprises return their profits to workers and the community, unlike conventional businesses,” he said. “This platform will serve as a one-stop hub to support, connect, and scale social enterprises across the country.”
The platform will provide technical expertise, financial resources, and strategic linkages to aspiring and existing social enterprises, while also connecting them directly to targeted beneficiaries. Rafizi emphasised that Ayuh Malaysia is a response to the increasing political uncertainty and instability, noting that resilient community structures are vital to safeguarding the nation’s socio-economic wellbeing.
“I believe the strength of our society lies in building sustainable community structures, especially as political instability continues,” he said.
He extended an open invitation to activists and citizens alike to participate in building this national network of social enterprises, which he envisions as a long-term solution for community empowerment and social welfare resilience.
“The presence of a strong social enterprise network in society can guarantee the continuity of the people’s economic and social welfare, even if political clashes persist,” he added.