Yayasan MADANI and MADANI Mart: Questions over control, transparency and conflict

 

DESPITE pressing questions, the government, including Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh has yet to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation regarding the controversy surrounding Yayasan MADANI and the MADANI Mart model.

MADANI Mart has been promoted as a “people-centric” initiative, described as a collaboration between the government, entrepreneurs and the community to reduce the cost of living through lower-priced goods.

However, as more information emerges, it is becoming increasingly evident that this is not merely a model to assist the rakyat, but a business structure that raises serious concerns over governance and potential conflicts of interest.

More notably, the present government appears to be quietly acknowledging that the concept previously implemented under Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) by the Barisan Nasional government was, in fact, effective, albeit now rebranded with a new image.

Under KR1M, the government supported supply chains to reduce prices for consumers.

In contrast, under MADANI Mart, entrepreneurs are not only required to set up their own premises, but must also pay substantial fees to Yayasan MADANI, reportedly reaching up to RM420,000 over three years.

This raises a fundamental question: is this truly an initiative to help the people, or a licensing scheme that benefits certain parties?

More concerning is that Yayasan MADANI itself is reportedly linked directly to a deputy minister and individuals close to the nation’s top leadership.

How can an entity claimed to be “independent” operate within the government ecosystem while simultaneously collecting hefty fees from entrepreneurs? Does this not give rise to serious conflicts of interest?

Furthermore, entrepreneurs participating in MADANI Mart appear to have limited freedom over their supply chains, as they are required to source stock solely from Yayasan MADANI.

This is no longer about supporting small traders, but about market control. When a single entity oversees licensing, supply, and operational structures, it can no longer be described simply as a people’s initiative.

This model risks evolving into a concealed monopoly. Several fundamental questions must therefore be answered: where do the collected fees go? Are they audited transparently? Who truly benefits from this model — the rakyat, or specific parties within the power structure?

More importantly, how can individuals holding positions within the government be directly linked to such a business structure?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cannot remain silent on this issue. A clear explanation must be provided, not only to the media, but to all Malaysians.

This is no longer about a single project. It is about principles.

If the government is truly committed to transparency and reform, issues like this cannot be left unresolved. The rakyat are watching, and this time, they will not be easily persuaded by slogans. 

Wong Siew Mun is the MCA Pahang Youth Chief.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of 

- Focus Malaysia.