Mara's Bumiputera program should not be politicized, says minister

Business Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof says Mara's objectives are clear

KUALA LUMPUR: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) should not be politicized as his goal of helping the Bumiputera community has always been clear, says the Minister of the Entrepreneur and the Cooperative development Mohd Redzuan Yusof

. "If we see the parliamentary act (Majlis Amanah Rakyat Act 1966), we can not deny the purpose of Mara's institution," he said, responding. He added that the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) was planning to open its doors to non-Bumiputeras.

He added that the weaknesses in income group B40 should be addressed by Mara, as many of these people were Malay. or Bumiputeras.

Last Friday, Sivarasa denied having proposed that MRSM be open to all breeds.

He also denied having suggested that MRSM change its name.

Redzuan also said that the decision The ministry would oversee Mara would be finalized before the end of 100 days of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

He said that Mara was under the tutelage of the Ministry of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development prior to the dissolution of the ministry in 2009.

It was then placed under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development until PH takes power after the May 9 general election.

"Under this new government, it is highly likely that Mara will return to the ministry in charge of entrepreneurial development.

" Personally, I think there are many aspects involving the development of entrepreneurs , who were arrested in 2009, who should be retaken, "he said after visiting the headquarters of Mara here today.

That would be done if Mara was under the jurisdiction of his ministry, Redzuan said that there would be no major changes but some improvements would be made to existing policies.

Mara w as established on March 1, 1966, under the Parliament Act to promote, encourage, facilitate and carry out economic and community development programs for the Bumiputiaries, particularly in rural areas.