PN govt didn't fulfill promise to clear settlers' debt - Shabery Cheek 

SHAH ALAM - The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, under the leadership of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, was accused of not fulfilling its promise to clear the settler debt.

Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said in 2021, the government under the Pagoh MP’s leadership announced the dismissal of the settler debt towards Felda.

However, he explained Felda was forced to owe RM9 billion through sukuk to take over FGV Holdings Berhad as well as pay off loans from the Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) and Maybank.

Previously, Tan Sri Muhyiddin, as prime minister, said the government would pay RM1 billion a year over 10 years. It should have started in 2022.

"However, it did not happen. It was awaited, but nothing came," he said in a Facebook statement on Saturday.

Previously, Sinar reported Muhyiddin accusing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of lying about the dismissal of the Felda settler debt.

The PN chairman denied the claims of the Tambun MP, accusing them of not being done during his administration.

Shabery commented further, stating that no written promise between the PN government and Felda was made to solve the debt issue.

He added that Anwar and the unity government had decided to solve it as well as create an agreement with Felda to solve the sukuk.

"The unity government gave a commitment of RM1 billion a year to Felda in order to solve the debt.

"Alhamdulillah Felda feels at ease and could aid more settlers," he said.

Shabery hoped Muhyiddin would not behave in a reckless manner.

"Don’t talk about unending stories," he said.