PM calls for probe into ownership of Jalan Semarak Felda land

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants the authorities to conduct a thorough probe into the issue of ownership of four parcels of Felda land in Jalan Semarak here that had been transferred to a private company in an alleged dubious deal.

He said in a series of posts on his Twitter account that action would be taken in the case of any negligence or misconduct based on the investigation report.

“An investigation will be conducted to ensure whether there has been negligence or misconduct by those involved. Measures have to be taken to safeguard the interests of Felda and its settlers,” he said.

Najib also advised Felda to take the appropriate action to protect its interests after having been informed of the land issue.

“We must always protect the interests of Felda and the settlers in all development efforts,” he said.

Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad said on Thursday that Felda was ready to take all forms of action to regain its right to the land, estimated to be worth RM270 million, following a report that raised questions about the transfer of ownership.

A police report was lodged on Dec 12 and a caveat was placed on the parcels of land, besides the cancellation of the power of attorney issued, and civil action against the parties involved. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Civil servants applying for housing loans are encouraged to to get the service of legal firms that are registered with the Public Sector Housing Financing Board (LPPSA), which formed in 2016.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the procedures observed by LPPSA complied with the best practices and industry standards.

“LPPSA will continue to hold engagement sessions with the Bar Council to highlight problems and concerns facing borrowers,” it said.

The statement was issued in response to a report in an English newspaper on Thursday on how a civil servant’s dream to own an affordable house was dashed when a lawyer that was appointed to manage the deal, also acted as a stakeholder in the Sales and Purchase Agreement, failed to channel fund obtained from LPPSA to the developer.

The lawyer was also alleged to have issued invalid cheques to the developer, resulting in the house buyer not getting the house key.

LPPSA is a government agency which is responsible for managing and providing housing financing to civil servants. — Bernama