Although Former Chairman Has Served Sentence, PM Must Continue Felda Investigation – Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: The approximately RM9 billion in losses suffered by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) cannot be ignored, and therefore require a detailed investigation, including a forensic audit, if there are elements of abuse of power or governance failures.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the responsibility to continue the investigation should be taken up by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, even though the former Felda chairman has already served his sentence.

“The loss of RM9 billion cannot be tolerated and, in my opinion, this responsibility should be taken by the Right Honourable Prime Minister to conduct an investigation even though the former Felda chairman (Tan Sri Isa Samad) has already served his sentence,” he said after officiating the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX) and the World Arts and Cultural Festival here today.

He was responding to a question on whether he welcomed the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) if misconduct was found, following the long-standing issues involving Felda.

Elaborating further, Ahmad Zahid said the investigation should not be limited to a management audit, but must also include a forensic audit to ensure the interests of the Felda community continue to be protected.

“What is important is not only management auditing, but forensic auditing must also be carried out because there are 225,000 Felda settlers, and the Felda community from the first to the fifth generation now totals no fewer than 1.8 million people who are directly or indirectly involved… We must continue to look after them so that their welfare as members of the Felda community can continue to be protected by the government,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said those responsible must be brought to justice if there is strong evidence, but the process should not involve persecution or an attempt to shame any individual.

“Those who are responsible must certainly be brought before the courts if there is strong evidence against them. However, do not carry out persecution, injustice, or seek to embarrass any individual as has been done before,” he said.

Earlier, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, decreed that investigations into the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), as well as current issues involving Felda, be carried out comprehensively.

His Majesty also stressed that no compromise should be given to any party found to have committed wrongdoing based on the findings of the investigation.

Following that, Anwar said the government would ensure the review process is completed properly before making any decision on further action.

Former Felda chairman Datuk Mohd Isa, 76, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after the Federal Court on Feb 10 allowed the prosecution’s appeal to set aside his acquittal and reinstate his conviction, prison sentence and fine.

On Feb 3, 2021, the High Court found him guilty and sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment and a RM15.45 million fine, with an additional two years’ imprisonment if he failed to pay the fine.

However, Mohd Isa, who is also a former Federal Territories Minister, was acquitted and discharged of the charges by the Court of Appeal on March 6, 2024, before the prosecution filed an appeal to the Federal Court.

In 2018, Mohd Isa was charged with nine counts of receiving RM3.09 million in bribes for himself through his former special officer, Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, from former Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn Bhd (GAPSB) board member Ikhwan Zaidel.

The bribes were allegedly received as a token of appreciation for helping approve Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FICSB)’s purchase of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching for RM160 million.

He was charged with committing the offences on the 49th Floor, Menara Felda, Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, between July 21, 2014, and Dec 11, 2015.

Astro Awani