SERDANG: Felda should be a model of good governance and not a place of division and hatred, says the Prime Minister.
Drawing on the example of Prophet Muhammad's migration (hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the values and lessons from the event should be adopted to help bring about change in Felda.
He said the change should not only involve the management but also the settlers, including both Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as women and young people.
"There needs to be more effort from me, the ministers, and the settlers and their families to engage with the youth because we have to be inclusive and involve women and the community. It must involve everyone.
"Hopefully, we can bring this change to everyone. I am confident that, God willing, if we have the right understanding or if Felda succeeds, it can truly be the best example of how the poor are given land and their dignity is uplifted. This is the dignity of Felda. That is the signal.
"Believe me, it should not just be me or (Ahmad) Zahid and our colleagues in the Cabinet who will help bring about change, but there must be a willingness.
"Do not let Felda become a place of division, hatred, and enmity," he said in his speech at the National Felda Settlers' Day 2024 celebration launching ceremony in Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (Maeps) today.
Anwar said among the changes that should be made are fostering a spirit of good cooperation, being free from drug abuse, improving education, and creating better environmental conditions to set a good example for the community, not just for Muslims but also for non-Muslims.
"We have organised festivals (this event) but I want to invite everyone to reflect so that we can improve," he said.