MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki refuses to resign despite calls from AMK and PKR, stating the decision lies solely with Zahid Hamidi.
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says he will not step down from the position simply because of calls from Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) or PKR.
He said the decision on his position as MARA chairman rested solely with Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who appointed him.
“If the KKDW Minister asks me to step down, I will. But not because of pressure from AMK or PKR.
“Likewise, the Tabung Haji RCI issue is irrelevant as my name was not mentioned in the RCI. I have also never been linked to any issue involving Tabung Haji,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with the 2026 UMNO General Assembly here today.
Earlier, AMK leaders had called on Asyraf Wajdi to resign over integrity concerns following allegations linking him to issues involving Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) during his tenure as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
The call also surfaced during the PKR National Congress, where several delegates openly urged that the MARA chairmanship be given to a PKR leader to introduce a new approach and further institutional reform.
Meanwhile, Asyraf Wajdi said his priority throughout his nearly three-year tenure at MARA had been to strengthen the institution, particularly its governance, while ensuring its programmes for the Malay and Bumiputera communities remained intact.
He said MARA, established under UMNO’s leadership to champion the interests of Malays and Bumiputeras, must be protected from actions that could undermine its reputation.
“This is an institution for the Malays and Bumiputeras. Over the past three years, I have laid important foundations to safeguard the education and entrepreneurship agenda for the Malays while strengthening MARA’s governance.
“I have not been at MARA for very long, but what is most important is that this institution continues to be defended. There must be no efforts to tear apart its reputation,” he said.
