MARA should not be politicised as the reason for its establishment is clear, said Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Redzuan Yusof.

Redzuan was commenting on Deputy Rural Development Minister R. Sivarasa’s supposed proposal for Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) to be open to all races.

“If Sivarasa wants to comment on it, he must understand (Mara and why it was established),” he said at Mara’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Sivarasa has since denied making the statement.

Redzuan said Mara was established under the Majlis Amanah Rakyat Act 1966 to cater to the needy, especially those in the Bottom 40 (B40) group.

“Mara’s direction is clear. It is just that if it is not administered properly, then we have to correct it based on the parliamentary act,” he said after being briefed by Mara’s top brass for two hours.

He added that the people should understand the Mara’s “agenda” in reforming the institution.

“It’s a new Malaysia and everyone must understand the agenda so that it is friendlier.

“But it should not perceived that those in the B40 group are always Malays.

“That is why we must carry out the parliamentary act,” he said.

It was reported that Sivarasa had denied making any proposal to open MRSMs to all races, or urged for any name change.

“This is not correct and defamatory, please do not repeat it. The name change has never been discussed.

“The proposal (to open entry for all races) is not correct. It was never made,” he reportedly said. – July 23, 2018.