Anak questions Isa Samad’s appointment as Felda co-op chief

UPDATED @ 02:44:04 PM 28-12-2011

By Lisa J. Ariffin

December 28, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — The National Association of Settlers (Anak) today questioned the legitimacy of Tan Sri Isa Samad’s appointment as Felda Investment Co-operative (KPF) chief, pointing out clashes between the Prime Minister’s Office and Co-operatives Commission of Malaysia (CCM).

“We were told that Tan Sri Isa had received an agreement letter from the Prime Minister on August 15 to be KPF chairman. Isa had even brought the agreement in a special meeting with Felda directors on August 25,” Anak president Mazlan Aliman told reporters at a press conference here.

“However in a letter dated November 10, SKM (CCM’s Malay acronym) told us Tan Sri Isa Samad has not yet been appointed as KPF chairman. Moreover, there was no mention of (him) as member of KPF,” he added.

“There is clearly a clash here. Who is telling the truth? The prime minister or CCM?” he asked.

Mazlan also said that as a concerned KPF member, he is displeased with Isa’s appointment as it clearly goes against the KPF laws which states only settlers, their family and permanent Felda staff are permitted to join as members.

“Therefore, I am appealing to overturn the appointment and to also terminate Tan Sri Isa Samad’s membership because the bureau has made a decision that is clearly against KPF laws,” he said.

He added CCM should not be influenced by “political masterminds behind this issue” if they want to be regarded as a reliable government agency.

“Please respect all laws that stand. Don’t be tied down politically, because we know these politicians have their own roadmap... They know where to go.”

Anak had earlier lodged a complaint with CCM in October over Isa’s appointment as KPF chief.

The appointment of Isa as KPF chairman is being challenged on the grounds that the former Umno vice-president is a “contract worker” and not a member of the co-operative whose membership is limited to settlers and permanent Felda staff.

The profitable Felda Holdings has a workforce of some 19,000 employees, with a labour force of 46,795 workers at 300 estates, 70 palm oil mills, seven refineries, four kernel crushing plants, 13 rubber factories, manufacturing plants and several logistic and bulking installations spread throughout Malaysia and several locations overseas.