Rafizi launches 'Ayuh Malaysia' social enterprise platform

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has announced Ayuh Malaysia, a new platform to build a nationwide network of social enterprises, marking a shift in his focus from frontline politics to grassroots economic and social empowerment.

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The platform, to be launched on July 27, is envisioned as a one-stop hub to support the growth of social enterprises - entities that operate businesses not for profit, but to deliver tangible benefits to society.

Rafizi described it as part of a larger mission to develop a “third sector” in Malaysia, distinct from profit-driven businesses and donation-dependent NGOs.

Ayuh Malaysia will be a central platform to mobilise and support the creation of social enterprises in various fields, provide expertise, secure funding, and connect these enterprises to their target beneficiaries, said Rafizi in a statement today.

He stressed that while his political journey began as an activist concerned with transparency, accountability, and meritocracy, some of these goals cannot be realised through politics alone.

‘Not all politicians welcome change’

Rafizi’s announcement comes amid speculation about his future in politics following his resignation as economy minister.

He said he had already decided before the recent PKR election that his next focus would be building a sustainable social enterprise network.

“Some aspects need to be pursued through political platforms, while others must be driven from the grassroots to ensure these values become embedded in society, especially since we know not all politicians welcome change.

“That is why I accept, even with gratitude, the political developments within PKR that ultimately led to my resignation as the economy minister.”

He explained that in contrast to typical business models, social enterprises reinvest their profits into their employees and communities, offering services or products at a lower cost while fostering social impact.

However, he noted that the model remains largely unfamiliar in Malaysia, where economic activity is usually profit-driven and civil society work remains heavily grant-dependent.

Through Ayuh Malaysia, Rafizi aims to:

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   Establish more people-driven social enterprises across sectors;

2. Offer support and expertise through a network of practitioners and citizens;

3. Coordinate funding and oversight to ensure transparency, sustainability, and

4. Link social enterprises with target communities.

He called on activists and ordinary Malaysians to join him in building a robust third-sector ecosystem, arguing that a strong network of social enterprises will help ensure economic and social well-being, particularly as political volatility is expected to persist. - FMT