Mengenang Taib Andak membina Felda

Allahyarham Taib Andak was remembered as a visionary leader, a dedicated civil servant and a person of high integrity. (Photo Kalsom Taib) On July 1, 1956, the Federal Land Development Agency (Felda) marked a significant milestone by commemorating its 70th anniversary. Established on July 1, 1956, the government agency has transformed the Malaysian urban landscape, explored land, created revenue streams, and provided opportunities for generations of pioneers to build a better life.

The legacy was shaped by pioneering figures who helped translate Felda's initial vision into reality. Among them was Allahyarham Taib Andak (1916-1997), chairman of the founding board, whose leadership helped lay the foundation for the agency's success. Taib was widely regarded as a forward-thinking leader and a dedicated public servant.

To those who knew him personally, he was a caring friend, a respected colleague, and most importantly, a loving father. His eldest son, writer and cultural activist Kalsom Taib, remembered him as a man of high integrity who fulfilled his duties with utmost responsibility. "During Hari Raya, our family often received gifts from customers.

As a child, we were excited because there was chocolate inside. However, my father would not accept even one piece – he would get angry at whoever brought him and ask them to return everything. His integrity wouldn't allow him to accept it," said Kalsom, 84, to FMT Lifestyle. Born in Parit Bakar, Johor during World War I, Taib built a stellar career in public service, rural development, and the corporate sector.

His key role began in 1958 when he was appointed chairman of Felda to succeed D E M Fiennes. The agency rapidly grew over the 13-year tenure of Taib, with over 100 land schemes developed across the nation. Notably, Felda Taib Andak in Kulai, Johor, became the first Felda plantation and was named in his honor. Taib's contributions extended beyond Felda.

In 1969, he was appointed chairman of Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and served on the board of corporate giants including Sime Darby and Federal Flour Mills. Kalsom recalled accompanying her father on his travels around the country helping develop Felda land schemes. She encouraged her father to drive whenever they went long distances as roads were not as modern and comfortable as today.

"I would accompany my father when driving to the respective areas. The conditions were far from today's modern roads and leisure areas. We had to go through very far and winding roads," said Kalsom. Named in his honor, Felda Taib Andak in Kulai, Johor, became the first Felda plantation. (Photo Kalsom Taib) "I would converse with him to keep him fresh while driving.

Sometimes he would get too tired and needed to stop for a short nap, and I would watch over the car." Kalsom portrayed her father as someone who diligently applied pure values in his children. Among the most important lessons learned was to speak up when something was wrong and always be grateful for what he had, rather than being envious of what he didn't have.

Taib was highly dedicated in serving Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein, with whom he formed a close friendship. "Razak wanted to provide jobs for the unemployed and land for those without land. He had a corresponding vision, and my father helped him translate it. They worked together very well," Kalsom said while documenting her father's life in her 2008 biography, 'Taib Andak: In A Class Of His Own'.

She accompanied a reunion of Felda pioneers for the first time in years, with former Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghafar Baba present on the side. There, she learned that opportunities created through Felda had enabled many pioneers to send their children to university, many of whom went on to build successful careers. For her, it was the most meaningful aspect and remains part of her father's legacy: providing opportunities that transformed lives even after his mission was completed.

However, Kalsom believes her father would likely be saddened by the controversies surrounding Felda. Once considered a model of land development, she believes the agency is now just a shadow of its past glory.