Yeoh becomes mentor for 1M4U

PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has been appointed as the first mentor for the 1Malaysia For Youth (1M4U) programme.

Among the first order of the day for the actress in her new role would be to raise awareness on crime prevention, road safety and promoting the country's eco-system.

Yeoh received the letter of appointment from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Prime Minister's Office here yesterday.

The Prime Minister is the chairman of the 1M4U board of trustees.


“I was very distraught when I heard about women, particularly, who were traumatised in carparks and by snatch thieves,” Yeoh said.

“We will draw up a campaign to make Malaysia safer and once we have the campaign in place, we will announce it,” she said.

Apparently, the campaign will focus on areas where women are particularly vulnerable, such as at areas near LRT stations and bus stops.

On road safety, Yeoh said it was a matter that was close to her heart.

“There were 6,000 people dying on the roads yearly,” she said.

“One death is not just one on its own,” Yeoh said. “The person could be a breadwinner or if it is a young child, it is an immediate loss of a future.”

She also urged Malaysians to adopt the spirit of volunteerism.

On her appointment as a 1M4U mentor, Yeoh said Najib had thanked her for taking on the role, adding that it was the Prime Minister to whom she should thank instead.

“I've always wanted to come back to Malaysia to do more,” she said.

1M4U was launched on July 15 last year under a government initiative to coordinate and promote youth volunteer activities.

Last week, Yeoh was among prominent personalities who received one of the highest honours awarded in conjunction with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah's birthday.

Yeoh, who is the Malaysia brand ambassador, received the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) which carries the title “Tan Sri”.

(Source: The Star Online)