SERDANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not hesitate to instruct law enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to investigate Felda should it be involved in misconduct and corruption.
Anwar said the auditor general should also take similar action against Felda if its management is found to be involved in the misuse of public funds.
"That is why, in the Auditor General's Report, I told the auditor-general and the MACC to do their jobs. No one is exempt, including Felda.
"I have also given a warning to Felda to avoid any misconduct. Whoever is guilty will face action.
"We are doing this to protect the people and the country," he said in his speech at the National Felda Settlers' Day 2024 launching ceremony in Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) today.
Anwar hoped that the management of Felda would be appointed from among those who were competent to manage funds, especially from the agency's cooperatives.
He added that tenders should not be managed or awarded to the children, sons-in-law or cronies of those in charge in Felda.
He acknowledged that some parties were dissatisfied and even angry at his stance of not tolerating misconduct, but this will not deter the cabinet from addressing corruption.
"This is our responsibility. Sometimes cooperative operations are critical because sometimes, the board of directors chooses people who are not interested in managing funds, resulting in inefficiency.
"As for all government tenders, including those for Felda, FGV and cooperatives, they must be completely transparent to prevent any attempt to embezzle public funds.
"I understand that this statement is not popular, but I have a responsibility. In a few years of the unity government administration, we want to ensure a system of change," he said.