KUALA LUMPUR: The Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 has passed in Parliament.
The Bill aims to amend the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund 1966 (Act 389) to allow the foundation to improve its administration and ability to empower low-income youths in obtaining higher education.
The Bill was tabled for Second Reading and Third Reading by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 26).
It was passed via a voice vote after several MPs debated on it.
According to Aaron, Clause 3 of the Bill aims to amend Section 5 of Act 389 relating to the composition of the Board of Trustees, where the chairman of the board will be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Minister.
Aaron said the board member, who is a representative of the Higher Education Ministry, will be replaced by a ministry representative who is responsible for the fund and six other board members will be appointed by the minister after negotiating with the chairman of the board.
“This Clause provides that the chairman and six other board members who are appointed upon negotiations, must be individuals who have achievements and experience in charity or human capital development or among professionals who have experience in education, financial or commercial matters.
“This clause also aims to extend the term of the office of the chairman and six other members of the board from three to four years,” said Aaron.
Clause 6, said Aaron, aims to amend Section 9 of Act 389 to provide that every recipient of any form of assistance for any program or scheme given under the same Act must continue to be a participant in the program approved by the board and must comply with terms and conditions imposed by the board.
Aaron said Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 11 of Act 389 to provide that the Board may cease to grant or assist any recipient if the Board finds that the continued participation of the recipient is not beneficial due to his or her unsatisfactory academic progress or misconduct.
Meanwhile, Aaron revealed that at least 160 scholarships were given out between 2019 to last year.
Aaron said services were also expanded under the future ready programme after 2019, to provide exposure for upper secondary towards higher education and also introduce them to the workforce.
“Between 2021 and this year, at least 180 youths were involved under the future ready programme,” he said.
He said foundation beneficiaries also received various allowances, including for computers, clothes and university wages.
Aaron said that the amendments will benefit the people as Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) will be able to expand its objectives and enhance assistance to the public.
“This is particularly for the youth, and contributes to the development of the nation's human capital,” he said.
He also added that the amendments will improve the governance of YTAR and empower low-income youth in achieving higher education.
He said that the development of leadership and self-identity of these youth will contribute to the nation, and preserve the legacy of YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman in promoting societal unity.
During debates, Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) said the amendments will strengthen governance and commitment towards national unity.
Among the critical amendments, she said, was towards the structure of the Board of Trustees.
“This ensures the board is not filled with political appointments but instead professionals that are truly qualified which boosts transparency and credibility,” she said.
Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) said only those who were qualified, passionate and whose values aligned with the foundation, should be appointed.
“Their character, professionalism and commitment of trustees must be the best, so the objectives of the foundation can be achieved,” she added.
