SETTLERS in the Umno stronghold of Felda Sg Tengi came out in droves to hear Dr Mahathir Mohamad speak even as the Malay ruling party intensifies a campaign to tar him as too old to govern.
Second and third generation settlers met by The Malaysian Insight tell of how they had lost trust in Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition it leads and would break tradition by voting for Pakatan Harapan (PH).
However, some settlers were suspicious of the former prime minister’ motives and felt that at 93-years old, he should have totally bowed out of politics.
Like many similar settlements throughout the country, Felda Sg Tengi was considered a loyal vote bank for BN.
However, the rise in living costs, high debts and years of mismanagement at the agency have incurred the wrath of its close to 1 million members, and PH is hoping to turn this anger into votes.
Along with its nationwide tour ahead of the GE14, PH has created a separate campaign aimed at winning over Felda voters, called Jelajah Selamatkan Felda (Save Felda Roadshow).
The roadshow features top PH leaders such as Prime Minister-designate Dr Mahathir, deputy prime minister candidate Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and influential Second generation settlers’ group chairman Mazlan Aliman.
At the Sg Tengi roadshow, PH leaders spoke on Felda’s financial scandals such as its loss of prime land on Jalan Semarak and the mounting debts settlers themselves had to pay for replanting their trees.
Second generation settler Fadzli Abu Bakar, 35, was convinced of PH’s message and its ability to better manage the agency that is tasked to look after their welfare.
“Compared to Najib’s time, from what they (PH) are saying we have a lot of debts, and I think the Felda people agree that we need a change in administration,” said Fadzli who came with his wife.
He added Felda folk are showing increasing support towards PH.
“I hope that there will be a change in government in the 14th general election, I even have to sell hamburgers now with my wife as a side income at the evening, that is how bad the economy is now,” he said.
Muhammad Faiz Fadzli, 38 said many settlers like him are in the dark when dealing with Felda and their debts.
“The one thing that I miss is the transparency when dealing with Felda land, a lot of us are in the dark about the processes that need to be done for our land.
“Dr Mahathir is the hope that we need,” he said.
Naufal Abdul Rahim 34, a second generation Felda settler and a businessman, said it was high time that Felda settlers voice out their concerns.
“(Felda) is with its problems. I think everyone is just scared to voice out about it. As long as the prices for palm oil is low, many more suffer.
However, Rusdin Junid does not think PH can win many votes in Sg Tengi because of the strong support the BN had among its 2,000 residents.
“People here are strong BN supporters. You can try your hardest but they will not change. The first generation loves BN as they feel a sense of gratitude. Most of the second generation who live in the village are also BN supporters,” said the 55-year old.
The age factor
Settlers were divided over whether Dr Mahathir’s age would hinder his ability to become prime minister again.
BN leaders including chairman and prime minister Najib Razak have repeatedly said that Dr Mahathir’s age made the latter unfit to take up the country’s top post again.
Felda settler Azmi Ramli reflected this view, saying: “I think he’s had his chance. He should retire and let someone else have a chance.”
Dr Mahathir sceptic Rusdin said the former premier’s presence in PH made him suspicious of the latter’s motives.
“I respect him and his ideas. He has done a lot for the country. But I can’t help being suspicious of his intentions. Is he really coming back or does he want to take over the post and later hand it over to someone else?”
Fadzil does not see it the same way, adding that Dr Mahathir’s age reflected his deep experience.
“Mahathir has the potential to be a prime minister because he has his previous experience as a former prime minister.
“I don’t think age plays a factor because I see he is still strong and healthy and can give long speeches.
Housewife Intan Abdullah said Dr Mahathir’s long service to the country was what made her come out to the ceramah.
“Dr Mahathir is the longest prime minister and most respected. I came here today just to listen to him
“After this, I will tell my family what I had heard from him,” she said. – March 24, 2018.
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