Govt will resolve problems in Felda, says Zahid
KOTA TINGGI: The government has never concealed the problem that occurred in Felda, especially in the recent boardroom tussle involving Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the problems that occurred in FGV would not be swept under the carpet as any wrongdoing committed would be identified, while individuals who were involved in it would be dealt with.
“When it comes to Felda and its problems that involve FGV, we must never hide the problems. They must be resolved, and if there are individuals who are directly or indirectly involved, they must be brought to justice.
“In this regard, we must thank the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“The government is not hiding this matter.
“If there was any misconduct it must be dealt with.
“The individual responsible for the wrongdoing must be held accountable for what they did,” he said after a tahlil and kenduri (feast) involving 800 villagers and members of the Superbikers Association of Malaysia (SAM) during its Merdeka Rides 2017 stopover at Masjid Jamek Al-Firdaus, Felda Lok Heng Barat here.
On July 27, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said that several people were expected to be hauled to court soon as the MACC wrapped up its investigations into the FGV scandal.
Reports stated that the issue was triggered by late payments involving Afghan company Safitex for palm oil products supplied by FGV subsidiary Delima Oil Products Sdn Bhd.
More than 100 witnesses had been called in by MACC in the investigations.
In his speech, Zahid urged Felda settlers, including its first, second and third generation settlers to give their support to the Federal Government.
He said there were 56 parliamentary seats, whose voters were mostly Felda folk, and they should not be easily persuaded by outsiders who want to bring disunity among the community.
Earlier in Kuala Lumpur, at the Security Guards Board of Directors and Management meeting, Zahid said security firms would no longer have to annually renew their licences with the Home Ministry on a yearly basis from next year.
Instead, they would only be required to do so once every two years.
He said all armed private bodyguards would also have to undergo a two-tier training system to renew their carry-and-use firearms permits beginning next year beginning 2018.
The move will ensure that security firms do not easily rent out their weapons to those employed as private bodyguards.