BUMIPUTRA agencies such as Mara Corp should be led by professional with vast knowledge on industry know-how, particularly the agriculture sector.
“Right now, the political interference in Mara Corp is doing no favours to anybody, especially during these unprecedented times.
“It’s time for the organisation to be led by professionals, with the first change taking place among its board of directors,” non-governmental organisation, Padi Rescue coordinator Fitri Amir told FocusM.
Last month, business portal The Malaysian Reserve reported saying that Mara Corp CEO Datuk Badlisyah Abdul Ghani may be replaced soon despite being appointed to the post just earlier last year.
It was reported that Badlisyah, a career corporate figure, was instructed to go on a “garden leave” since November.
Crying foul, the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) said it was “strange” that Badlisyah was told to go on leave as the latter was in the midst of performing due diligence on the company, to facilitate the transfer of some assets from its parent company.
UNI-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) echoed MTEM sentiments, urging the Government to set up a special committee to vet and protect appointees to government-linked companies (GLC) from “outside interference”.
“The Government must come up with a special committee to provide check and balance to ensure GLC appointees are vetted and given enough protection.
“We can’t simply be going around removing people based on our whims and fancies,” its president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal told FocusM then.
Fitri said that many, including political leaders, have forgotten that Mara was established to develop and facilitate industrial activity to accelerate the socio-economic wellbeing of the bumiputra community using agriculture and livestock, especially those in rural areas.
However, he said that Mara has forgotten the purpose of its establishment along the years, by placing too much emphasis on entrepreneurship programmes by neglecting agriculture and livestock.
“This has upset the Malays, especially those who rely on farming and livestock breeding for livelihood,” Fitri opined.
However, he added that agriculture sector is getting due recognition now amid volatile economic condition, climate change and COVID-19.
“People across the globe have to come realise the importance of being self-sufficient in terms or food production, after many nations halted exports which caused massive disruption to the supply chain.
“Therefore, it important now for Mara and all other agriculture related agencies to empower our farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen so that we take back control of our food production,” Fitri added. – Jan 19, 2021.
