Angkasa president elected to ICA Board, Malaysia retains seat in global cooperative body

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, president of the National Cooperative of Malaysia, has been elected to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Board for a four-year term from 2026 to 2030. This victory came during the ICA General Assembly 2026 in Panama, allowing Malaysia to retain its seat on the global cooperative movement's top leadership board. Fattah's term follows his previous role on the ICA Board for 2022-2026, held by his vice president, Datuk Kamarudin Ismail.

Fifteen members were elected from 24 candidates for the 2026 to 2030 term, with seven re-elections and eight new members. Among the new members was Fattah, representing Malaysia. A total of 116 voters, representing 193 ICA member organisations from 66 countries, participated in the election. Dr Ariel Guarco of Argentina was re-elected unopposed as ICA president for a second term.

Fattah expressed his gratitude for the honour, stating that it is a great trust not only for Angkasa but also for the entire Malaysian cooperative movement, which comprises 16,468 cooperatives and 7.3 million members. He emphasized that the achievement highlights Malaysia's confidence in contributing ideas, experience, and leadership to shape the direction of the global cooperative movement.

Angkasa, as a full member of the ICA since 1972, will use this platform to ensure that Malaysian cooperatives' voice and interests are heard, while expanding strategic networks and economic cooperation with cooperatives worldwide.