Kuala lumpur: The proposed establishment of a MARA Hospital is aimed at completing the healthcare education and services ecosystem developed by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), rather than being driven by racial sentiments, said its chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. He emphasized that the project is appropriate considering MARA's history of producing medical specialists, doctors, and nurses through its educational institutions, including Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) in Ipoh, Perak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asyraf Wajdi highlighted that MARA already possesses a comprehensive ecosystem in the health sector, covering areas such as medical studies, biomedical sciences, and health instrument maintenance at MARA Higher Skills Colleges (KKTM), along with the U.n.i Klinik and Pharmacy network. He stated, "It is time for MARA to have its own hospital as a clinical training ground for students as well as a service hospital. Furthermore, the hospital's services will be for all citizens regardless of race because medical ethics never discriminate between patients."
Asyraf Wajdi revealed that a special task force, led by MARA deputy director-general (Education) Dr Mahzan Teh, has been established to evaluate the feasibility of the project. This development intends to further enhance MARA's contribution to the healthcare sector and provide necessary clinical training facilities for its students.
In another matter, Asyraf Wajdi addressed demands by Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) leaders for him to be investigated and resign over the Tabung Haji issue. He stated that he would not succumb to external political pressure. As the UMNO secretary-general, he explained that his position as MARA chairman is a trust from the party, appointed by Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He expressed his commitment to follow the instructions of the KKDW Minister, stating, "If he asks me to resign, I will resign, but not because of AMK's demands."
Asyraf Wajdi also addressed the allegations linking his name to the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report. He clarified that his name was never called or mentioned in the report and dismissed these claims as an attempt to damage MARA's reputation.