Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said its constitution remains suspended under Section 20 of the Farmers' Organisation Act 1973 as governance reform measures are still being implemented to address identified issues and safeguard the interests of its members before administration is returned to an elected board.
"On claims that the suspension period has exceeded what is permitted under the law, the matter is now before the court through a judicial review filed against the Registrar of Farmers' Organisations.
"As the matter is under judicial consideration, the government respects the ongoing legal process and it would be inappropriate to comment further (sub judice)," he said in a parliamentary written reply.
He said Nafas is currently administered by an administrator appointed by the Registrar under Section 23 of the Act, who carries out the functions and responsibilities of the board with the support of existing management to ensure operational continuity.
He said the Nafas Reform Plan 2.0 is being implemented in phases, covering governance and leadership, legal and compliance frameworks, fund management and procurement, business models and financial sustainability, as well as monitoring and internal audit systems.
Core operations, including the supply of fertiliser, agricultural inputs and services to members, continue as usual to ensure national food security is not affected, he said.
"To strengthen oversight, the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) has established a Governance Reform Monitoring Committee to track the progress of the reform plan and recommend improvements to ensure the recovery and strengthening of Nafas governance are carried out effectively, transparently and with accountability.
"The ministry continues to engage stakeholders, including area and state farmers' organisations, through meetings, discussions and consultations to obtain feedback on the reform process," Mohamad said.
He said the decision on lifting the suspension of the Nafas constitution will be considered by the Registrar after taking into account the progress of governance reforms, the interests of members and developments in related legal proceedings.
Following its suspension in November 2024, the board of directors and management of Nafas no longer have any authority as provided under its constitution.
The organisation was earlier placed under a moratorium by the minister with the aim of improving its governance and administration. - NST
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