Asyraf Wajdi the new Mara chairman, Zahid confirms

KOTA TINGGI - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today confirmed that former Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has been appointed as the new chairman of the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) effective Friday, March 10.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the letter of appointment had been delivered to Asyraf Wajdi at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in Putrajaya.

"Asyraf Wajdi has been appointed, it is not a rumour anymore, I signed it (appointment letter) on Friday.

"The photo which went viral is authentic and the appointment was made at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry because Mara is an agency under the Ministry,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to the Southeast Johor Development Authority (Kejora) at its headquarters in Bandar Penawar here today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani.

Asyraf Wajdi, 47, who is also the Unity Government Secretariat chief, previously held the position of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), from July 29, 2015, until May 10, 2018.

Previously, the position of Mara chairman was held by Datuk Seri Azizah Muhd Dun since May 1, 2020, and she is a former member of Parliament for Beaufort.

Several photos were circulated on social media recently, claiming that Asyraf Wajdi was appointed as the new Mara chairman.- BERNAMA