KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 147 former military personnel have undergone physical interviews to become full-time wardens at Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSMs), with successful candidates expected to begin their duties on July 1.
Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (pic) said the candidates had passed two stages of online screening before undergoing assessments that included a body mass index examination, a bleep test and a face-to-face interview.
He stressed that the role of an MRSM warden goes beyond maintaining discipline and ensuring student safety.
“They must understand and embrace Mara’s educational philosophy in nurturing students who excel academically while possessing strong character, integrity, good moral values and religious knowledge.
“Wardens are the students’ second parents who serve as mentors, educators and guides in shaping the nation’s future generation,” he said in a Facebook post.
Asyraf expressed hope that the initiative would help curb bullying, disciplinary problems and social ills while creating a safer and more conducive learning environment built on mutual respect, compassion and the pursuit of knowledge.
He said the initiative would be implemented in phases, with 10 MRSMs set to introduce the programme from July 1 this year following a selection and screening process.
Asyraf also dismissed claims that the initiative was inspired by the South Korean drama Teach You a Lesson, saying the proposal had been raised as early as 2023, well before Mara carried out a pilot project at two MRSM campuses last year.
Asyraf said he began receiving numerous complaints from parents and students about bullying shortly after assuming the chairmanship of Mara in 2023.
In response, he conducted surprise visits to MRSMs and other Mara educational institutions to assess conditions on the ground, while introducing a zero-tolerance policy on bullying under the slogan “You Touch, You Go”.
