MARA Aims To Raise RM50 Mln For MARA MADANI Wakaf Fund By March 15

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is targeting to raise RM50 million in funds for MARA MADANI Wakaf Fund by its launch date on March 15, said its chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said the wakaf initiative, expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will be used to support and empower the Bumiputera agenda, particularly in education and entrepreneurship, through contributions from MARA alumni.

“If we look at MRSM alumni alone, there are over 220,000 individuals. Those who have received sponsorships and benefitted from MARA scholarship programmes number no less than 150,000.

“And many of these alumni have gone on to become successful individuals. So, the goal is for them to contribute towards the sustainability of the MARA institution to champion the Malay and Bumiputera agenda,” he told reporters after attending the Media Luncheon with the MARA chairman.

Earlier during the event, Asyraf Wajdi in his speech mentioned that MARA’s role as a ‘mutawalli’ (trustee) has been approved by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), and they will be seeking similar approvals from religious authorities in other states.

On March 2 last year, the government approved the establishment of MARA MADANI Wakaf Fund to ensure the sustainability of education, welfare, healthcare, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

In a separate development, Asyraf Wajdi pointed out that the rejection rate for Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) admissions has significantly decreased, indicating a growing interest among students in enrolling at the institution.

He said this proves that trust and confidence in the MRSM system are increasing among students.

“(Now) many are interested in gaining admission to MRSM. Previously, when we offered placements, 30 to 40 per cent would decline, and we would fill the spots with those on the waiting list. However, as of yesterday, only a handful did not attend the registration day at each MRSM. For instance, when I visited MRSM Sungai Besar yesterday, only 20 students failed to attend registration,” he said.

He said his recent surprise visits to MRSM campuses may have had a positive impact, adding that MARA remains committed to maintaining the quality of education and facilities at all MRSM institutions.

-- BERNAMA