COPS TO SUMMON ISA
THE top-ranked Felda official at the time of the controversial Jalan Semarak land deal will be asked to give a statement next week, says the deputy IGP.
FELDA, POLICE HAVE APPLIED FOR A REGISTRAR’S CAVEAT ON THE LAND UPCOMING AUDIT WILL REVEAL WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LAND TRANSFER, SAYS SHAHRIR
JOHOR BARU: The Federal Land Development Authority’s (Felda) board of directors was not informed of the transfer of ownership of the land in Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur.
National Felda Settlers chief Samsuddin Othman said the board was only notified of the proposal to develop the land by the previous Felda management.
He said it included the suggestion to develop a commercial centre with a hotel that could contribute to Felda’s revenue.
“The board of directors approved the project, but we were not informed of who would be developing it or if a land ownership transfer will be involved,” he said at the Johor Baru Felda office here.
Samsuddin sits on the Felda board and represents the Settlers Consultation Committee (JKKP), which represents 112,635 settlers from 317 Felda settlements.
He said the board did not know the details behind the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City project, adding that the previous Felda management failed to be transparent in making a business decision.
“JKKP only knew that Felda’s land in Jalan Semarak belonged to someone else through the media. If we had found out earlier, no such thing would have happened.”
He said Felda, as a whole, was disappointed in the poor management that led to the debacle, and supported the current management under the leadership of chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, who would ensure the land worth millions of ringgit was returned to Felda.
“In whatever way possible, the land must be returned to Felda as it is our asset.”
The land plots are estimated to be worth RM200 million, with ownership of the land reportedly transferred to another company.
Shahrir had said upon discovering the deal, Felda had immediately placed private caveats on the plots of land.
He said internal investigations beginning next month would be carried out by a third party, which will be appointed by the Prime Minister’s Department.