FELDA women, especially the second and third generation, could be agents of change in the next general election, says Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak) president Mazlan Aliman.

Mazlan said Felda women, who have long been regarded as ardent supporters of Barisan Nasional, may now instead become a threat to the ruling party.

Mazlan said this was because support for BN among Felda women appeared to be waning.

“Felda women’s support for BN and Umno use to be especially strong on the west coast. About 90% of them were for BN.

“But now, the numbers are beginning to change. I’m confident that 20 to 25% of Felda women on the west coast and 30 to 35% in the east coast will no longer support BN.

“This situation will likely cause BN to lose more seats (in GE14),” he told The Malaysian Insight during a Wanita Generasi Felda Kebangsaan event in Petaling Jaya today.

Mazlan said support against the ruling government among Felda women will also be bolstered by Feldanita.

He said Feldanita was founded to address women and social issues, which tend to be overlooked by Felda’s focus on the management of its fields.

“In Felda, many single mothers find life difficult. For example, many single mothers cannot even afford to buy school items for their children.

“Sometimes, up until March and April, they are still unable to pay school fees. This is an important issue but is overlooked because of Felda’s focus on the management of fields.”

Feldanita was established by Anak and receives help from Pakatan Harapan.

Mazlan also said that because women in Felda are never given the opportunity to play the same role as men, one of Feldanita’s aims is to produce more Felda women leaders.

Meanwhile, a Felda woman from Felda Chini, Pekan Pahang, Aishah Mohd Najib, 65, said she used to be a GPW member but left to join Anak.

Aishah, better known as “Mak Chah”, is a first generation Felda settler and said she use to be a strong advocate of GPW and Umno, but grew weary of their dishonesty.

“People who know me know that I am a trustworthy and honest person. I do not like dishonest practices.

“Because of this, I don’t support robbers and thieves.”

However, Mak Chah said changing the perception of Felda women, especially the first generation, would be an uphill climb.

“The important thing is for us to unite, to go door to door to spread information. If we do this, I am confident that we can rally more support.” – December 16, 2017.