PETALING JAYA: There is only a slight difference between the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra). In Felcra settlements, the settlers own the land and not the government. Both entities aimed to alleviate the rural Malay economy.
But today the plight of Felcra settlers is much the same as their brethren in Felda schemes, according to the National Association for Children of Settlers (Anak) president Mazlan Aliman.
Felcra was set up in 1966, 10 years after Felda, with the aim of developing privately owned land in a bid to improve the status of the rural Malay community.
Felcra opened settlements and new plantations for those who did not have land.
In 1997, Felcra became Felcra Bhd, a wholly owned company belonging to the government.
After a while greed stepped in.
According to Mazlan, a majority of the village folk was being oppressed as a result of mismanagement and power abuse in Felcra.
Mazlan, who is also the chairman of PAS’ land and regional development territory bureau, recently disclosed 22 documents, complete with evidence, detailing alleged fraudulent acts involving Felcra.
He said the 22 cases were occurring simultaneously involving 90,000 settlers nationwide.
He alleged that among the fraud cases were swindling funds in the settlers’ cooperative, Koperasi Peserta-Perserta Felcra Bhd, a RM14.8 million contract on the Sarawak Felcra Jemoreng settlement, RM7 million purchase of bonds without the approvals of settlers and forging documents for general agricultural works in Sabah.
“In reality, Felcra participants face more serious issues than Felda settlers. The only thing is that the former did not know who to complain to,” said Mazlan.
Besides the 22 cases, he also alleged that he had ample proof of other cases of monetary abuse and will disclose them soon.
“It’s not just Felda and Felcra. There is mismanagement and abuse in Risda, Mida, UDA and other agencies.
“There could only be one reason for this (state of affair): corrupt government leaders who are only interested in raking in personal profits at the expense of the people,” he said.
Reject corrupt leaders
On the New Economic Model, Mazlan said the 30% equity could be achieved early “if and only if” the government is transparent and runs the land development agencies properly.
“There are several agencies involved in the development of millions of hectares of land worth billions of ringgit.
“If a land development agency established 50 years ago had been managed without corruption, Bumiputeras would have achieved the 30% equity by now,” he said.
“Extreme poverty would have been wiped out and the economic gap between the communities reduced.
Comments (7)
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written by kevinc66, September 02, 2010 00:45:51
written by kevinc66, September 02, 2010 00:45:51
30% would has been achieved years ago.....true to my heart. My malay bethrens should walk with your head held high like our malay singapore counterpart. Never, never take it for granted..
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written by Better My, September 01, 2010 17:30:52
written by Better My, September 01, 2010 17:30:52
Re" “If this situation does not change and the culture of corruption continues, it will never be possible for Bumiputeras to move forward" National Association for Children of Settlers (Anak) president Mazlan Aliman.
Yes, you hit the nail on the head. Spot on.
All the rakyat cannot move forward, let alone the malay. Agriculture could give very large return for the nation if it is managed with its maxium efficiency. The commercial crops would bring great export income. Instead, countries like Australia is reaping the maximum rewards from its largely chemical free or reduced agricultural exports due to its organised industry and pesticides control.
Imagine, the all accountable biilions profit $ is returned to the nation, every malay in Felda/Felcra and kampungs would gain from it. The other chinese/Indian woulsd also gain from the flow-on benefits from richer kampung malay. Likewise, just as the billions of $$ profit from the business, city chinese/malay/Indian would gain from it . The flow-on benefits to the kampung Malay would occur too with increased spending power of the city folks.
It is a win - win for all city and country folks, for all races. First, end corruption. To end corruption, give PR a chance. Would the kampung malay have enough of grey cells to understand his simple concept?
Yes, you hit the nail on the head. Spot on.
All the rakyat cannot move forward, let alone the malay. Agriculture could give very large return for the nation if it is managed with its maxium efficiency. The commercial crops would bring great export income. Instead, countries like Australia is reaping the maximum rewards from its largely chemical free or reduced agricultural exports due to its organised industry and pesticides control.
Imagine, the all accountable biilions profit $ is returned to the nation, every malay in Felda/Felcra and kampungs would gain from it. The other chinese/Indian woulsd also gain from the flow-on benefits from richer kampung malay. Likewise, just as the billions of $$ profit from the business, city chinese/malay/Indian would gain from it . The flow-on benefits to the kampung Malay would occur too with increased spending power of the city folks.
It is a win - win for all city and country folks, for all races. First, end corruption. To end corruption, give PR a chance. Would the kampung malay have enough of grey cells to understand his simple concept?
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written by red1, September 01, 2010 15:40:46
written by red1, September 01, 2010 15:40:46
agreed.. if there are no theives.. how come the Malays are still way behind and cannot afford to fight the minority on merit? Poor fellow citizens... you have been robbed but thank Allah half of you no longer vote for BN.
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written by Eskay345, September 01, 2010 14:29:31
written by Eskay345, September 01, 2010 14:29:31
The pre-308 Tsunami Malays almost always believed when their Umno- politicians point their fingers at the non-Malays each time the problem of poverty of their brethren is mentioned or raised. The NEP made all the nons become wealthy but the Malays remained poor. I still remembered hearing opposition politicians arguing that the NEP had been hijacked and abused by their own leaders many years ago,.. So sad because so few believed.
But with internet, things become clearer. It's a case of "Pagar makan Padi" repeating and repeating.
But with internet, things become clearer. It's a case of "Pagar makan Padi" repeating and repeating.
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I question the legitimacy of the cash, and in fact all Felda's assets, because the settlers were made to settle all advances made to them during their lifetime as settlers. Hence, whatever credit that stands in the till should rightly belong to the settlers. Felda should not be holding any assets of its own as whatever expense it disbursed would have been met by deductions made to the settlers' sales proceeds, as and when they sell their commodities. Can FELDA come up with some explanation, please ?