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(UPDATED) Drag suspects in FIC hotel purchase scandal to court, DPM tells MACC

RAUB: Those responsible for the recent Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC) scandal should be taken to court even if they are well known personalities.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in backing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe in to the matter said the welfare of Felda settlers is paramount and must be safeguarded.

"I support the move by MACC to investigate and drag them (perpetrators behind the scandal) to court.

"Do not oppress the settlers of Felda as our struggle is to help settlers, as it is the struggle of (second Prime Minister) Tun Abdul Razak Hussein that had been passed on to (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib Razak," said Zahid in his speech at the Raub Umno division delegates' conference, here.

His call received rapturous applause from delegates at Dewan Titiwangsa, Universiti Teknologi Mara(UiTM) Raub campus here this afternoon.

Raub has three Felda settlements.

Zahid, who is also Umno's vice-president and carrying out the responsibility of the deputy party president, said Felda, as a government agency, must give priority to the settlers.

"What need is there for the purchase of a hotel for higher (price) than the market price? What need is there for a hotel outside the country?" he asked.

Zahid said due to issues such as the losses in Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd(FGV), the government would monitor and make sure those responsible do not escape justice.

"Yes, there had been losses in FGV. We will monitor and do not allow them (responsible for any wrongdoing) to get away even if the person is a 'tokoh' (luminary).

"If they had caused loss to Felda, if they had oppressed Felda settlers, they will be taken to court in order to seek justice for Felda settlers nationwide," he said to more loud applause.

Zahid said in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, he will always support Najib in the various policies and plans that benefits Felda settlers.

"If there is a need for affordable housing for second and third generation Felda settlers, I will seek more allocation from PM (Prime Minister Najib) to build these houses for second and third generation Felda settlers so they can live in comfort and peace in the settlements," he said.

He also reminded Felda settlers to be wary of certain quarters who enter the settlements and spread allegations related to troubles facing Felda.

"Do not fall for these (allegations) as they (certain quarters) cannot help Felda settlers. Only a BN (Barisan Nasional) government can help them (Felda settlers)," he said.

Present at the event was Raub Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahiruddin Abd Moin, and the division wings' leaders - Youth chief Muhamad Azra Abd Wahab, Wanita chief Zulriyaini Yahya and Puteri chief Fatimah Md Noh.

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