A possible reorganisation of Mara has been speculated about in recent news reports.
Another major government entity, Khazanah Nasional, may also be undergoing a reorganisation following the resignation of its board of directors.
Najib said there would be difficulty in focusing on programmes involving the Bumiputera agenda without an authoritative Mara Council in place.
“Nevertheless, we do not know yet what Pakatan Harapan’s plan is. We will evaluate … but the agenda of the Bumiputeras should continue to be fought effectively,” he said.
“Mara is a big conglomerate, with many branches, and we think it is very important for the future of the Bumiputeras,” he told reporters after lunch in Bandar Setia Alam here today.
Najib had been asked to comment on reports that the government intended to revamp Mara through “isolation and absorption” through several ministries, such as the rural and regional development ministry and the entrepreneur development ministry.
‘Khazanah officers were not political appointments’
On the government’s plan to restructure its sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, following the resignations of its managing director and board members, Najib said these posts were not filled with political appointees.
Although Khazanah’s board of directors was chaired by the prime minister, all decisions were guided by the advice of the board and management, he added.
Najib said there was an executive committee chaired by Khazanah Nasional’s deputy chairman and all its members were professionals who had vast experience.
Najib said Khazanah’s assets amounted to only RM33 billion when he took over as chairman, but when he left the company, its assets had surged to almost RM134 billion and its name was known internationally.
“Khazanah also has a Bumiputera agenda, for instance to provide scholarships and provide a place for Bumiputera technocrats to manage companies with big assets and also to enter international markets.
“Khazanah aims to increase the nation’s assets or wealth. So when Khazanah gets profits, it declares dividends to the government and the government uses the funds to help the people,” he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported to have said the resignations of the managing director and board members of Khazanah Nasional would allow the government to restructure the company as the new administrative policy was different from the previous administration.
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