Muhyiddin made things better for Felda settlers, Amanah man says ahead of Johor polls

Amanah strongman Mazlan Aliman today acknowledged that Muhyiddin Yassin had brought changes for Felda settlers, labelling the policy allowing the former prime minister to write off 80% of their debts as one of his successes.

Mazlan, an activist with NGO Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak), also said Muhyiddin’s government had shown strong political will in bringing about these changes.

“It cannot be denied that Muhyiddin, as prime minister, took proactive steps to bring change in Felda,” he said in a statement.

“The re-acquisition of an over-80% stake in FGV, the disposal of 80% of the settlers’ debts, and the implementation of the Settlers Development Programme are some of the success stories experienced by the settlers.”

In comparison, he said, the 22 months during which Pakatan Harapan (PH) was in government had seen sluggish reforms for Felda.

While explanations could be given, he added, this was why Felda settlers were disappointed in PH.

“It invited great criticism from Felda settlers who questioned the manifesto and promises made during the campaign for the 14th general election,” he said.

Mazlan’s remarks come ahead of the election in Johor, a state with more than 70 Felda settlements often considered as a stronghold of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).

There are a total of 72 Felda settlements located in 20 of the 56 state constituencies to be contested, with a cumulative population of about 180,000.

“The Johor election will be the true benchmark for the support of Felda settlers,” Mazlan said.

“Will they return to being a fixed deposit for BN?”

Mazlan had previously hinted at defeat for PH, warning that the coalition would see a repeat of its failure at the Melaka election if it contested the Johor polls in its current position.

He also urged PH to widen its cooperation for the polls by working with Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional pact and its allies.

“PH which comprises PKR, Amanah, DAP and Upko would be as good as surrendering to BN if it maintains the status quo from Melaka and Sarawak,” he said.