Taking the floor: Aaron speaking at the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur. He says that the amendments will improve the governance of YTAR and benefit low-income youths pursuing higher education. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Bill, which was tabled by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, aims to amend the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund 1966 (Act 389) to allow the foundation to improve its administration and its ability to empower low-income youths to obtain higher education.
The minister said Clause 3 of the Bill aims to amend Section 5 of the Act related to the composition of the Board of Trustees, where the chairman of the board will be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the minister.
He said the board member, who is a representative of the Higher Education Ministry, will be replaced by a ministry representative who is responsible for the fund and six other board members will be appointed by the minister after negotiating with the chairman of the board.
“This clause provides that the chairman and six other board members who are appointed upon negotiations must be those who have vast experience in charity work or human capital development, or professionals with experience in education, financial or commercial matters,” he said.
“This clause also aims to extend the term of the office of the chairman and six other members of the board from three to four years.”
Clause 6 aims to amend Section 9 to provide recipients who receive assistance for programmes to continue to be a participant of that programme approved by the board.
Aaron said Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 11 to provide that the board may cease to grant or assist any recipient if the board finds that the continued participation of the recipient is not beneficial due to his unsatisfactory academic progress or misconduct.
He said the foundation beneficiaries also received various allowances, including for computers, clothes and university wages.
Aaron said that the amendments will help Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) to expand its objectives and enhance assistance to the public, especially the youths, and contribute to the development of the nation’s human capital.
He also added that the amendments will improve the governance of YTAR and benefit low-income youths pursuing higher education.
Aaron said the development of leadership skills of these youths will contribute to the nation, and preserve the legacy of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in promoting societal unity.
During the debates, Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) said the amendments will strengthen governance and commitment towards national unity.
She welcomed the amendment to the structure of the Board of Trustees, which she said will ensure that it is filled by professionals.
Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) said only those who are qualified, passionate and whose values are aligned with the foundation, should be appointed.
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