MARA urged To Develop Special ‘Pak Lah Leadership’ Module

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has been urged to develop a special “Pak Lah Leadership” module as a strategic approach to strengthen the Malay and bumiputera agenda based on values of knowledge, ethics and integrity championed by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the module could be incorporated into MARA institutions such as Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM), Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM), and GIATMARA to produce bumiputera youth who are not only technically skilled but also possess strong character and ethical leadership.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, further proposed that MARA expand its education programmes into economic corridor regions, which would create development opportunities nationwide and reduce the concentration in the Klang Valley.

“In these corridor areas, more MARA Mobile Training Centres can be established to reach out to remote communities and deliver technical and digital training directly at grassroots level,” he said in his speech for the 'Pemikiran Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi'  symposium here today.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Also present were MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, MARA Director-General Datuk Zulfikri Osman, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Dr Sharifah Syahirah Sy Shiekh, and the late Tun Abdullah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah.

Touching on integrity, Ahmad Zahid suggested that MARA introduce a special programme titled “Islam Hadhari Entrepreneurs” based on the concept of modern entrepreneurship guided by Islamic values, and that academic research on Tun Abdullah’s thinking and leadership style be conducted through UPTM for future generations.

He added that the continuation of the Islam Hadhari approach introduced by Tun Abdullah (more fondly known as Pak Lah) can now be seen in the Malaysia MADANI concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ahmad Zahid said both philosophies complement each other and strengthen the framework for nation-building that is inclusive, progressive and resilient.

“I also see clearly how Pak Lah’s philosophy of human capital development and inclusiveness remains a foundation for the current KKDW (Ministry of Rural and Regional Development) policies in empowering education, the economy and rural infrastructure.

“KKDW’s focus is not only to empower rural communities, but also to enhance skills and education in rural society and improve infrastructure — which aligns with the aspirations of Islam Hadhari and Malaysia MADANI,” he said.

The symposium, held in honour of the leadership of the late Tun Abdullah, was attended by over 500 participants and featured three main forums discussing leadership, policy, administrative style, and Malaysia’s image during the tenure of the Fifth Prime Minister.

-- BERNAMA