THE white paper to be tabled on Felda will detail dubious land deals, said Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali.

He said the report, which is to be tabled in this Parliament session, will explain the number of problems with Felda, including land purchases and loss of money.  

“The properties and assets were certainly brought at higher premiums. Not at market price.

It was much higher than market price.

“Even if we decided to monetise those assets, we would not be able to get full value for these assets. That is our concern,” Azmin told reporters in Parliament today.

He also said there was a delay in producing the report as external investigators were called in to give a proper valuation.

“There is external audit work as well for us to get a proper picture on Felda’s financial position and previous mismanagement,” Azmin said.

He said the white paper would give a comprehensive picture of Felda’s troubles and how they affected settlers.

“Felda settlers will be able to understand the government’s actual financial position and the steps it will take to guarantee their future.”

Azmin said the white paper will have recommendations for Felda to become economically viable.

Former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad was implicated in a Felda scandal last year. He was recently hospitalised.

The government agency is now in debt for over RM8 billion. – November 21, 2018.