KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has questioned the government's decision to end the waiver for Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers' loans.
In an apparent jab towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Muhyiddin claimed that the decision to waive the debt disposal was a form of "discrimination" as the majority of Felda settlers had supported Perikatan Nasional (PN) during the 15th General Election (GE15).
"The government said the initiative would not be continued on the basis that it will affect Felda's cash flow.
"However, I believe the initiative will not have a negative impact (on Felda's cash flow) as is it considered an outdated debt.
"Therefore, I would like to remind (the government) to not discriminate against the settlers as they are also people trying to make ends meet in this difficult economic situation," said the former prime minister in his speech during the 2023 Budget debate in the Dewan Rakyat, today.
During Muhyiddin's tenure in 2021, the government announced that it would dispose a portion of the RM8.3 billion in settlers' loans to relaunch Felda.
The government under his administration had also approved the issuance of RM9.9 billion in 'sukuk' by Felda under its recovery plans.
Muhyiddin said this was a part of the government-guaranteed bonds being used to restructure Felda's loans with financial institutions as well as to privatise FGV Holdings Bhd.
However, the current government on Feb 23 announced that it was unable to continue to waive the Felda settlers' loans as doing so would have a significant impact on Felda's cash flow.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said the collection of remaining debts or loans that have been issued up until now needs to continue as a source of income for the survival of the organisation and the welfare of the settlers.
Following this, Muhyiddin added that RM9.9 billion in 'sukuk' was allocated to Felda to ensure a consistent cash flow is generated.
"Felda didn't have any consistent cash flow (previously). This is why the 'sukuk' was provided in the first place so it can be used when there is no cash flow.
"In fact, some of them managed to settle their loans previously.
"Isn't this some sort of discrimination if you say that it cannot be done now?" he said.
He said the opposition will continue to play its role as a constructive check and balance for the government.
"The 2023 Budget (also) did not touch on anything pertaining to Felda settlers' wellbeing.
"Hence, I hope that the government will continue to refine proposals presented by opposition MPs and not hold a grudge towards us by threatening us with selective prosecution," he said.