MARA Act Amendments To Focus On Enhancing Governance - Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- Two-thirds of the proposed amendments to the MARA Act 1966 will focus on strengthening governance and code of conduct of the institution.

MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the amendments were necessary given that the existing act, which was enacted in 1966, had only undergone a few minor amendments and was no longer seen to be in line with current realities and future needs.

According to him, among the main issues identified was the excessive centralisation of power in the chairman and MARA Council, which could potentially expose the institution to the risk of violating modern governance principles.

"In today's context, there is a need to have clear separation between the board of directors and the management to ensure a more effective system of checks and balances," he told reporters after the MARA 60th Anniversary Celebration at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here, today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his opening speech ordered the draft amendments to the act to be completed and submitted to him within three months.

Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Asyraf Wajdi said efforts to refine the act had actually begun a year ago, especially to ensure that the integrity and financial management aspects were at the best level.

He said the move was important to prevent leakage, wastage and any form of deviation in MARA's management.

In another development, Asyraf Wajdi said the management of Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) had taken immediate steps to assist the family of a student who was a victim of the recent stabbing incident in Kelantan.

He said KPTM had met with the victim's family and offered all forms of assistance needed, while further investigation was handed over to the police because the case involved a crime.

"On behalf of MARA, I would like to express my condolences to the victim's family. This incident is very heartbreaking and we are very sad," he said.

He also ordered that aspects of student safety and welfare be thoroughly examined to identify any weaknesses related to the case and to implement corrective measures so that such incidents do not recur.

-- BERNAMA