KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) operates holistically and the removal of any portion would harm its overall goal of uplifting the Malay community, said the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM).

DPMM research and development foundation president Datuk Syed Ali Alattas claimed that each division or unit in Mara was interdependent on the others and must not be carved out.

"It is akin to cutting off the hands and legs, effectively crippling the body. You should not split it (Mara).

"Any attempt by any quarter to break up Mara will eventually diminish its status and be regarded a betrayal of Bumiputera cause and against the Article 153 of the constitution of the nation,” he said.

Syed Ali said Mara should instead be enhanced and placed under the Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s purview, arguing that this would bolster the agency’s abilities.

Alternatively, he said Mara could be placed directly under the prime minister.

He claimed that while Mara was expressly tasked with improving the Malay community, with its roles and responsibilities having benefited the country as a whole.

"We should not let the extremist and the ultras derail what Mara has stood for. Non-Malays can also rally around and support Mara,” he said.

Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) alumni association deputy president Datuk Nasri Nasron said described the agency’s education arms as a huge success, based on the number of graduates these produce.

He asserted that these were also successful in inculcating entrepreneurship in its students.

"Why change something that has worked so well?” he said.