Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangunan DPMM (YKPD), and all the Presidents of all States Malay Chamber of Commerce has voiced out their objection towards government’s concept of “isolate and absorption” of MARA under different ministries namely the Rural Development Ministry, Economic Affairs Ministry, Education Ministry and Entrepreneur Development Ministry.
The chamber’s Research and Development Foundation (YKPD) chairman, Datuk Dr Syed Ali Al-Attas said even though the government hasn’t declared their decision to pursue their plan of revamping MARA, the members feel the necessity to put a stand first addressing the issue and reasons they are against the plan.
He insisted that if MARA is divided to different ministries, it would be difficult to focus on implementing programs that involve the Bumiputera agenda.
“MARA is a government within a government.
“Therefore, it should be maintained as a single agency under the purview of one ministry to continue the Bumiputera Agenda as espoused by the Bumiputera Congress 1965,” said Syed Ali.
In addition, he stated that any attempt to split MARA shall eventually diminish MARA status and shall be regarded a betrayal of Bumiputera cause and against the Article 153 of the Constitution of the nation.
MRSM Malaysia Student Association deputy president, Datuk Nasrin Nasrun said, “Since its establishment, MARA has work very strongly to develop Bumiputera especially those from the rural area.
“The results are positive. Therefore, why change something that works?”
He added that instead of splitting up, the authority should recognize MARA’s efforts by giving more allocations to strengthen it.
YKPD deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Syed Hussein Al-Habshee said, “MARA has proven itself to be a successful organization with zero debt and has helped Bumiputera”.
He also agreed with Datuk Nasrin, saying that “We should focus on the success and enhance it, rather than change something that works.”
The chamber plans to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on August 3.
