Radzi urges PM to verify facts on Felda settlers' debt termination

SHAH ALAM - Putrajaya MP, Datuk Radzi Jidin, has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to verify the facts concerning the debt termination of Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers.

The former education minister said that the group's debt recovery and termination process began in 2020 through the issuance of sukuk (Syariah-compliant bond).

He further clarified that during the Settlers' Day celebration on July 7, 2020, the then-prime minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, announced the formation of a special task force led by Tan Sri Wahid Omar to address the Felda issue.

"The task force presented its report to the Cabinet, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, on October 14, 2020.

"The report outlined various recovery plans, including the purchase of FGV (FGV Holdings Berhad) shares and improvements in Felda's financial situation.

"The debt termination for the settlers was also addressed," Radzi wrote on his Facebook today.

Radzi highlighted that the Cabinet approved a proposed allocation of RM9.9 billion for Felda's recovery through the issuance of sukuk, which would be implemented in stages between 2021 and 2026.

He also pointed out that during the Felda Settlers' Day celebration on July 7, 2021, Muhyiddin announced that a total of RM8.3 billion in settlers' debt had been eliminated.

The Bersatu vice president further noted that former Felda chairman Tan Sri Idris Jusoh had confirmed in a media statement on February 24 that the debt elimination amounting to RM8.3 billion had been successfully completed in 2021.

"To the Prime Minister, I urge you to verify the facts before making statements.

"This matter is no longer confidential or undisclosed. It has been addressed multiple times in Parliament and the news has been made public.

"I would be exhausted if I had to correct the Prime Minister whenever he makes a statement. It is tiring," he added.