PUTRAJAYA: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Act 1966 will be amended to ensure the agency remains relevant and is administered with good governance, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said the move is crucial as Mara is a conglomerate with assets exceeding RM23bil.
"It must be managed in the best possible way and return to its original core business, in line with the purpose for which it was established.
"The mistakes of previous leaderships must be corrected," he told reporters after the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s monthly assembly here on Tuesday (Nov 11).
"We must prove that Mara is on the right track and, InsyaAllah, with the assets it possesses, the investments made and the profits generated, it will be able to stand on its own to finance all the initiatives set by the Bumiputra Economic Congress," added Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Ahmad Zahid said Mara has been given six months to draft a Bill for the amendment.
Meanwhile, he said the amendment to the Orang Asli Act 1954 is now in the final stages and has been approved by the state governments.
"The most important aspect is obtaining approval from the state governments, as the amendment involves land matters and several issues under their jurisdiction.
"At the ministry and Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) levels, all matters have been resolved, and I have also presented the proposal at the recent Mentri Besar Conference," he said.
The amendment to the Orang Asli Act 1954 aims to protect and enhance the rights of the Orang Asli community, covering seven key aspects, namely land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure and culture. – Bernama
