KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough investigation of mismanagement in the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) involving billions in losses is pertinent, but it must not humiliate or persecute anyone as was done in the past, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a forensic audit must be conducted, as any wrongdoing, if it exists, would ultimately affect the Felda community comprising 1.8 million people.
"Those responsible should, of course, be brought to justice if there is strong evidence against them," he told the media on the sidelines of the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (Witex 2026) here on Sunday (Aug 23) after officiating the related Ministers and CEOs Summit 2026.
"However, we must not engage in persecution, injustice, or deliberately seek to humiliate any individual, as has happened before."
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Ahmad Zahid was referring to the 2017 governance crisis involving FGV Holdings Bhd (formerly Felda Global Ventures), which saw former chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and former CEO Datuk Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah brought to court, while executives such as former CEO Zakaria Arshad and former CFO Ahmad Tifli Mohd Talha were suspended.
Asked if a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on Felda would be welcome, Ahmad Zahid said the agency has been facing significant mismanagement for a long time.
"A loss of RM9bil cannot be tolerated. In my view, the responsibility should be taken by the Prime Minister to conduct an investigation, even though the former Felda chairman is serving his sentence.
"However, if there was any abuse of power or failure in governance and proper procedures were not followed, a detailed investigation must be conducted, in my view.
"More importantly, it should not be limited to management auditing. A forensic audit must also be carried out.
"This is because the 225,000 Felda settlers and (their descendants) – from the first to the fifth generation – now number no fewer than 1.8 million people who are directly or indirectly involved.
"We must look after them so that the interests and welfare of the Felda community can continue to be protected by the government," he added.
ALSO READ: Anwar awaits complete Felda report before any announcement
On Friday (Aug 21), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would wait for the complete report of the Special Task Force investigating Felda's management before making any official announcement.
He said the investigation's findings were expected to be presented in the near future.
Anwar also said he sent an official letter to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto seeking special attention to Felda's investments in the country, particularly the issue involving PT Eagle High Plantations Tbk (EHP).
He said the move was prompted by the potential for financial losses of up to RM2.5bil stemming from decisions made by the previous management, with expected returns now likely to be only around RM200mil.
