Felda GM's expulsion another 'TRAGEDY'

The expulsion of Felda general manager Dzulkifli Abd Wahab from the land development authority has been described as tragic by whistleblower group National Felda Settlers’ Children Association (ANAK).

ANAK chairman Mazlan Aliman said Dzulkifli was axed yesterday during a special board of directors meeting and would be transferred to serve for the Agriculture and Agro-based ministry in an assignment in Rome, Italy.

Dzulkifli would be replaced by Faizoull Ahmad, seen as Felda chairman Isa Samad’s blue-eyed boy, effective September 1.

Mazlan claimed that he had many information at hand on Faizoull, who he said was not a suitable replacement for Dzulkifli.

“Faizoull is Isa Samad’s trusted personnel, who is only in N54 grade, but is suddenly thrust to the position when there are many candidates more senior than him. Faizoull should have been appointed to Jusa C before going to Turus 3,” said Mazlan, referring to the civil service's grading promotion system.

“If the prime minister agrees to Isa’s choice, this will be another tragedy. A good and dedicated CEO will be replaced by someone corrupt,” he added.

Efforts to phase out Dzulkifli were said to be underway last year, after he raised objection to the listing plan of Felda Global Ventures (FGV).

Dzulkifli, who served with Felda for 30 years, had been earlier ordered to go on leave.

In the listing of FGV last June, settlers swapped their 51 per cent stake in Felda Holdings — which made RM760 million last year — for a 61 per cent share in FGV, whose international subsidiaries reportedly lost RM500 million up to 2010.

FGV share price has been on a steady decline since hitting a peak of RM5.50. It closed at RM5.02 yesterday.

-Harakahdaily