Власти Малайзии запускают расследование многомиллиардных потерь в Felda и готовятся к арестам

COMMENT | Felda's RM10b loss: Accountability vs survival in Madani era COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently revealed that alleged mismanagement and heavy political interference have saddled Felda with losses totalling nearly RM10 billion. He added that the government will soon release a special task force’s report detailing these findings and the deep-rooted issues inherited by the agency. Media reports confirm that the MACC is cracking down on alleged malpractice at Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC). The commission has therefore... COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently revealed that alleged mismanagement and heavy political interference have saddled Felda with losses totalling nearly RM10 billion. He added that the government will soon release a special task force’s report detailing these findings and the deep-rooted issues inherited by the agency. Media reports confirm that the MACC is cracking down on alleged malpractice at Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC). The commission has therefore opened multiple investigation papers probing a decade’s worth of transactions between 2010 and 2020. The large-scale inquiry centres on allegations that both entities acquired and invested in assets at artificially high prices, significantly exceeding their true assessed values and draining Felda’s resources. Scrutiny The MACC is investigating multiple high-value assets and projects linked to the FIC, focusing on alleged misappropriation, financial mismanagement, and high-profile property acquisitions both in Malaysia and overseas. The investigations specifically target the following entities and developments, namely: - Tataran Aras Sdn Bhd: Operational dealings and corporate activities tied to this company based in Limbang, Sarawak. - Grand Borneo Hotel Sdn Bhd: The controversial acquisition process of the hotel property located in Sabah. - Grand Plaza Service Apartments: The high-value purchase of the luxury service apartment complex in London, UK. - UK Student Housing: The acquisition transactions for two major student accommodation facilities, Felda House and Grand Felda House. - Felda Wellness Corporation Sdn Bhd: The establishment, corporate governance, and operational funding of this bio-pharmaceutical subsidiary. - Kuala Lumpur Vertical City: Potential misappropriation and unauthorised land transfers connected to the development of this mega-project. Hitherto, the MACC has summoned 12 individuals to assist with the investigation, including three FIC board members, an FIC secretary, two FIC legal officers, a valuer, three law firm representatives, and one official each from the Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office and the valuation department. Authorities are expected to make multiple arrests in stages, starting as early as next week. Political considerations The investigations by the MACC into Felda and Tabung Haji have triggered mixed reactions. On one hand, the public seems to welcome these developments as a sign that the Madani government is genuinely committed to combating corruption and the abuse of power. On the other hand, it has caused public confusion too. While the probes seem to expose alleged wrongdoing linked to BN, certain factions within Pakatan Harapan still seek a close alignment with BN for political survival. The Malaysian public demands an uncompromised, permanent commitment to the eradication of systemic corruption and abuse of power. Justice cannot be a seasonal campaign driven by political expediency. Citizens rightfully reject the pattern of zealously launching prosecutions only to quietly withdraw them later. A defining scar on public trust remains the abrupt withdrawal of 47 criminal charges against a high-ranking politician, a decision made even after the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case and the court ordered the accused to enter their defence. In the final analysis, Malaysians hope that these investigations remain strictly free from political motives, given the country’s long history of being let down by political figures. MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy minister of law. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.