Anwar Sends Letter to Prabowo to Help Resolve Felda Investment Issue in Indonesia

BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he has sent an official letter to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to seek special attention regarding Felda’s investment in the country, particularly involving the issue of PT Eagle High Plantations Tbk (EHP).

He said the step was taken following the potential large-scale financial loss amounting to RM2.5 billion which now has to be borne as a result of past management decisions, with the returns expected to be obtained later likely only about RM200 million.

“This investment (EHP) is stuck in courts in Indonesia. I have written a letter to President Prabowo Subianto requesting him to also look into this problem. If it is not addressed, this RM2.5 billion is something that we might only get RM200 million later. This is one example,” he said.

According to news reports, the money has yet to be recovered by Felda as the returns are still being challenged by EHP in Indonesian courts.

Anwar said this at the Friendly Session with Felda Top Management and Managers here, today.

Also present were Felda Chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir and Director-General Datuk Suzana Idayu Wati Osman.

Anwar said the disclosure about the figures of the financial crisis was made so that the entire Felda management at the grassroots level realises the heavy reality of the challenges the agency has to bear to recover.

“I want the managers to know, and how heavy it is to recover… this is not the managers’ problem. Felda managers in Pahang, in Johor, what does this have to do with them? But (this problem) is borne by us, that is the issue, so (everyone) must know.

“As for court enforcement investigations, that is another matter. But I want all these problems, I also told Suzana (Idayu Wati), (that) I want the managers to understand,” he said.

In that regard, the Prime Minister wants all parties at every level of management to understand the real problems facing the agency and not be influenced by any narrative or propaganda that tries to downplay the governance issues.

“I have repeatedly said that we bear this problem… what I need to emphasise is, I want all Felda managers to truly digest the problem. Not that they should sometimes feel tired or weary, but they should know that this problem must and has to be addressed,” he said.

Elaborating further on comprehensive recovery efforts, Anwar gave his assurance that the government is committed to accelerating the implementation of basic welfare projects, including allocations for housing repairs for managers and settlers without having to postpone them until next year’s budget.

He also stressed that the emphasis on principles of governance, integrity and accountability is not to find fault with certain parties, but rather to save the people’s trust and ensure Felda returns to glory as a national pride institution.

BERNAMA