Anwar says federal govt saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1b annual debt

JOHOR BAHRU, July 5 — The federal government is now saddled with Felda’s nearly RM1 billion annual debt, as a direct result of past administrative failures, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said his administration has no choice but to shoulder the financial burden to protect the welfare and survival of Felda settlers.

Speaking as Finance Minister, he noted that Felda was once exceptionally well-managed but went into decline after a leadership change, dealing a heavy blow to both the institution and its settlers.

“Every year, we have to service nearly RM1 billion in debt. What did the settlers do wrong? During Raja Alias’s time (Tun Raja Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali), it was managed well. Then others came and ruined it,” he said.

He was speaking at the Johor Youth Open Dialogue programme at Dewan Felda Ulu Tebrau tonight.

Also present was Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Puteri Wangsa, Dr Maszlee Malik.

Meanwhile, Anwar voiced strong confidence in Johor’s future, driven by strategic initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), now underway.

He said Johor’s geographical position and vast potential position it as a growth catalyst, not just for the domestic market, but regionally too.

The Prime Minister reiterated his belief that the southern state could become an economic powerhouse akin to Shenzhen in China.

However, he stressed that amid major federal projects like the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, the welfare of ordinary citizens remains a priority.

He stressed that physical development and billions in investment ringgit would be meaningless if rural and fringe communities remain trapped in poverty.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said change must come at the state level to ensure the poor are never sidelined.

“Our responsibility is clear: Johor must change. The state is advanced and full of potential, but we need to be more compassionate towards those struggling,” he said.

The dialogue is part of Anwar’s campaign blitz for the 16th Johor State Election, covering seven locations across the state today.

A total of 172 candidates are vying for 56 state seats in the election, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. PH is contesting all 56 state seats, with 20 from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama