He said the government’s commitment to bring back the glory of Felda could be seen through the launch of the Settlers Development Programme (PPP).

The programme, which includes inter-cropping capable of delivering results in a short period of time and generating more income for Felda settlers, was launched by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the national-level Felda Settlers’ Day 2019 celebration at Felda Selancar 3 here today.

Azmin said Felda, under the leadership of its founder, the late Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister, managed to help reduce the Malay and Bumiputera economic gap with other races through the opening of government land.

This, at one time, allowed the country to contribute 25% of the world palm oil production.

“Unfortunately, over the past years, we have witnessed the greed of Felda’s top leadership comprising politicians (which resulted in) the settlers becoming victims and burdened with major problems,” he said before thousands of settlers at the celebration.

Learning from the mistake, he said the PH government promised to ensure the management of the agency will only be administered by those with integrity and credibility.

He said the appointment of Mohd Bakke Salleh as Felda’s new chairman, effective July 1, was to bring the agency to a new level with help and support from grassroots settlers.

Azmin also said the PPP would ensure a more sustainable future and safeguard the wellbeing of the settlers, as well as increase productivity through the use of modern technology.