1 week Ago By Kalbana Perimbanayagam
KUALA LUMPUR: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Transformation Plan has received the green light from Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for immediate implementation.The plan aims to position Mara as a key institution in championing the Malay-Bumiputera agenda, focusing on improvements in finance, corporate governance, education and entrepreneurship.Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, in a post on his official Facebook page, said the approval followed a two-hour special presentation by the Mara Council and senior management last night.
"The Mara Transformation Plan is a critical step to ensure the agency remains relevant and continues to evolve as a leading Malay-Bumiputera conglomerate with strong competitive capability while creating a positive impact on society," he said.He added that with the deputy prime minister's endorsement, Mara is ready to move forward with its reform initiatives.The transformation will be driven by two special task forces, led by distinguished individuals.
The first task force will be headed by former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim, who will be responsible for restructuring Mara's financial framework and strengthening its corporate governance.The second task force will focus on Bumiputera education and entrepreneurship.It will be led by former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia vice-chancellor and former chief executive of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), Tan Sri Professor Noor Azlan Ghazali.
"With the expertise and leadership of both task forces, we are confident that Mara will become more dynamic and better equipped to serve the Bumiputera community, especially in cultivating entrepreneurs and enhancing the education sector," Asyraf said.He said the transformation plan also has the full support of newly appointed Mara director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman and the senior management team.The reforms will involve all 32 Mara subsidiaries, including Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd (MARA Corp).
Asyraf expressed hope that the implementation process would run smoothly and bring long-term socio-economic benefits to the Malay-Bumiputera community and the nation.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
