SHAH ALAM, June 30 — Sixteen former Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel will report for duty as full-time wardens at eight Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) tomorrow.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the move is meant to improve student discipline and prevent bullying.
He added that this is the second phase of the full-time warden recruitment initiative involving MAF veterans, following a pilot project launched at MRSM Besut and MRSM Balik Pulau on October 18 last year.
“For current needs, the total number is 32 wardens for eight MRSMs, namely, two males and two females for each MRSM. For the first phase, 16 male wardens will start their duties on July 1.
“For female candidates, 162 female candidates have applied. The online test was held on June 25. The in-person interview date for female candidates is on July 2.
“The appointment of female wardens is expected to follow shortly after the male phase, subject to the completion of the same screening process,” Asyraf said in a Facebook post today.
The recruitment is jointly conducted by MARA subsidiary Glokal Link Sdn Bhd (GLSB), in collaboration with the MARA Secondary Education Division, the MAF Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV), TalentCorp, and the MAF Psychology and Counseling Division.
Asyraf said the candidates underwent initial screenings by JHEV and TalentCorp before being called for in-person interviews.
“This pathway is for candidates who are legitimate MAF veterans; those who have completed their service honourably and were not dismissed for misconduct, severe disciplinary (offences), or violations of the law that affect their eligibility as MAF veterans,” he said.
He added that 147 candidates, 139 of whom are men, attended in-person interviews on June 15 and 16 at the MARA Food Technology Incubator (INTEM) in Kepong.
Candidate evaluation involves not only in-person interviews, but multiple stages of testing, including MyNext OCEAN and RIASEC psychometric tests, military psychological tests, mental health screenings, body mass index (BMI) checks, bleep tests, and interviews by panels from multiple agencies.
“The psychological evaluation component also emphasises aspects of child protection, impulse control, professional boundaries, integrity, and risk indicators for sexual misconduct,” he said.
Asyraf said GLSB will ensure pre-appointment screenings are completed before offer letters are issued, including checks for MAF veteran status, criminal records, child sexual offences, disciplinary records, and document validity.
He added that candidates would undergo a final assessment with MAF psychological officers or counsellors, such as a biofeedback component focusing on candidates’ psychological aptitude for the MRSM dormitory environment.
“GLSB’s principle is clear: no offer letters will be issued until all critical screenings are completed. Only candidates who are truly qualified, clean, with integrity, and suited to care for MRSM students will be considered for appointment,” he added.
The programme targets all 58 MRSMs nationwide, with the third phase to start January 1, 2027.
“MARA will ensure this is thoroughly implemented with integrity, in compliance with the law, and with MRSM students’ safety and well-being given the utmost priority.
“This approach is taken to ensure the appointment of these (candidates) truly meets the expectations of the community, parents, and stakeholders of the role of MRSM wardens,” Asyraf said.
