INTERVIEW It may have started as an acrimonious relationship between the 23,000 Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) staff members and the PAS-led NGO Anak, representing the descendents of the settlers.
However, following the proposed listing exercise of Felda’s subsidiary, Felda Global Venture Holdings Bhd (FGVH) planned in May, Anak president Mazlan Aliman claims the bulk of the staff are in common cause with them to oppose the move.
“This is because they recognise the listing exercise could be detrimental to Felda where it would face a deficit of between RM1.2 billion to RM1.5 billion, and this matter was raised by their former general manager, Zulkifli Abdul Wahab, whose protest was rewarded with an order to go on study leave,” Mazlan told Malaysiakini in a recent interview.
“Anak’s relationship with Felda staff members may have started acrimoniously, as we had brought lawsuits against Felda following the discovery of lower payouts to settlers, made police reports, and lodged complaints to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission.
“This, however, changed when the staff members got to know the prospect of a deficit following the listing, and the risks involved. Now, they are worried over their welfare and hence, are now with us.”
Mazlan said Felda, before the proposed listing exercise, generated a revenue of RM2.4 billion in 2010, and it needed RM2 billion annually as operating costs to be used for development, infrastructure and the welfare of the more than 112,000 settlers in 317 land schemes nationwide.
However, he pointed out that following the proposed FGVH listing, Felda would only obtain revenue from two sources – namely the rental of 360,000ha of Felda Plantations Land on 99-year leases amounting to RM257 million annually, and the 15 percent revenue from agricultural operations which fluctuates at around RM200 million.
“So from RM2.4 billion, Felda would be left with RM508 million and this is only sufficient to pay the wages of the 23,000 staff. This is the deficit which Felda is likely to face and questions remain as to who would have to fork out the remainder,” he asked.
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‘Most Felda staff wary over proposed FGVH listing’
Feb 13, 2012 – Malaysiakini
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