Ex-Maybank chairman Megat is new Felda chief
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malayan Banking Bhd chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor is the new chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).
Megat, who served 12 years at Maybank, replaced Umno veteran Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.
Shahrir resigned on May 14 following his defeat in the 14th General Election.
Three other Umno political appointees — Datuk Abu Bakar Harun, Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib and Datuk Mohd Isa Abu Kasim — also resigned from the Felda board.
Established in 1956, the Felda scheme helps poor Malays by resettling them in oil palm and rubber plantations, in the hope of eradicating poverty through economic empowerment.
There are 112,635 settler families nationwide. They make up 1.2 million voters or nine per cent of the country’s 13 million registered voters.
Felda schemes are scattered across 54 parliamentary constituencies, or nearly a quarter of the 222 seats in Parliament.
Felda director-general Datuk Ab Ghani Ali, when contacted yesterday, said: “Yes, I met Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin at Menara Felda here this morning. He is our new chairman.”
On May 25 last year, Malaysian Palm Oil Board director-general Dr Ahmad Kushairi Din, Felda woman settler icon Ramlah Jelani and former director-general Datuk Dzulkifli Abd Wahab were appointed to the board.
Kushairi said yesterday he was no longer with Felda, but was open to serving the institution.
“There were three of us who were appointed for a year. Our one-year tenure as Felda board members expired on May 24, soon after GE14. If my service is needed, I am happy to serve.”
The government is restructuring the composition of the Felda board, with more new directors to be named in two weeks.