Remembering Taib Andak, the man who helped build Felda

In a tribute to the man who helped shape Malaysia's rural landscape, Kalsom Taib reflects on her late father, Taib Andak, a visionary leader and dedicated public servant. Born in Parit Bakar, Johor in 1916, Taib built a distinguished career in public service, rural development, and the corporate sector.

Taib's defining role came in 1958 when he was appointed chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), succeeding D E M Fiennes. During his 13 years at the helm, Felda flourished, establishing over 100 land schemes across the country. The Felda Taib Andak scheme in Kulai, Johor, became the agency's first oil palm settlement and was named in his honour.

Kalsom, now 84, remembers accompanying her father on long journeys to establish Felda land schemes, often driving himself despite the lack of modern roads. She describes him as a man who instilled strong values in his children, teaching them to speak up when something felt wrong and to be grateful for what they had.

Taib's dedication to serving then Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein extended beyond Felda, with the two sharing a close friendship. Kalsom believes her father would be saddened by the controversies Felda has faced over the years, attributing any decline in the agency's performance to a departure from his core principles. She emphasizes the importance of leading by example and maintaining a strong value system, reflecting on how modern advancements should not overshadow these essential qualities.