TAMPIN: The policy of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) in safeguarding and protecting bumiputra interests must remain intact regardless of changes in the country’s political leadership, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said Mara’s policies should not be altered arbitrarily whenever there is a change of government.
“When the Mara chairman changes, the policies change. When the minister responsible for bumiputra affairs changes, Mara policies change. We do not want that.
“Regardless of which government is in power, which minister oversees Mara under his ministry or who serves as Mara chairman, its policies must continue to safeguard the interests of the bumiputra,” he said during a community engagement session at the Gemencheh Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Community Development Department director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man.
Ahmad Zahid said amendments to the Mara Act 1966 were therefore necessary to ensure bumiputra interests continue to be protected.
“We cannot continue relying on an outdated Act. We must improve it, refine it, amend it and strengthen it.
“I have informed Dr Asyraf that we will table the amendments to the Mara Act in the Dewan Rakyat at the end of this year and we expect to secure approval within two months.”
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also urged parents to encourage their children living outside Negri Sembilan to return home to fulfil their civic duty by voting in Saturday’s state election.
