Sustainable Cooperatives for economic expansion in Africa: Conversations with Co-operator, Ukhwah Cooperative Malaysia Multipurpose Cooperative - Case Report.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is, first, to bring out the diversity of Cooperative realities in the Asia-Pacific region, and, second, to construct a common conceptual framework which would allow to translate the cooperative realities into a more general concept so that other cooperatives may draw lessons. Using the Ukhwah Multi-Purpose Cooperative as a case study, it is shown that with good governance, professional management and separating the institution of Board of Directors from management the Cooperative has manage to produce good end year net profits and has consistently delivered 10% dividend to the shareholders since 2002. The activities of the multipurpose Cooperative include: housing development, buying and selling property and property leasing. It also provides taxi services through rental of cars at weekly intervals. Next is quarry manufacturer for premix of bitumen. Other activities are provision of homestay services which are located in Malaysia and in London and Melbourne. Lastly, it provides personal Loans to members. Through its activities, Ukhwah was recognized in 2017 by Co-operative Commission of Malaysia and was ranked 13 of 100 best co-operative in Malaysia. It was also awarded The Best Property Co-operator of Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan in 2017.