KUALA LUMPUR: Those responsible for allowing Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) lose its land in Jalan Semarak must face the music.
Johor Felda Youth Council chairman Manndzri Nasib said the news had caused an uproar especially among FELDA's new generation of settlers.
He said the success of Felda for the past 50 years - which is the result of hard work by the settlers and Felda employees - is at stake, following the revelation that a ‘dubious deal’ saw the ownership of the land belonging to the government agency being transferred to a private company.
Manndzri said the settlers dedication made it possible for Felda - now a well established government conglomerate - to successfully eradicate poverty through land development.
"With the successes achieved by Felda, we can't accept the fact that its land had slipped away from its grasp, no matter the circumstances and reasons given”, he said in a statement.
He adds that those reponsible for the fiasco must face punishment, to serve as a deterrent to others.
Manndzri said the fiasco had also wasted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s effeorts in making the Felda community - with its strength and empowerment in education, skills and economy - as an example for rural folks.
He adds the step taken by Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad and his team to get back the land is right and proper.
'We fully support the move and we stand firmly behind them as long it is for the good of Felda," he said.
The "dubious deal" comprising the sale and purchase agreements involving the four parcels of land were discovered in January this year when Shahrir took over from Tan Sri Isa Samad, who was chairman of Felda and Felda Investment Corporation (FIC).
The plots of land are estimated to be worth RM270 million.
The ownership of the land was reportedly transferred to Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd in 2015.
Upon discovering the deal, Felda immediately placed a private caveat on the land.