Mengenang Taib Andak membina Felda

Allahyarham Taib Andak was remembered as a visionary leader, dedicated civil servant, and a person of high integrity. (Kalsom Taib photo) On the 70th anniversary of Felda, the Federal Land Development Agency celebrated its major achievement this year. Established on July 1, 1956, the government agency transformed Malaysia's urban landscape, explored land, created revenue sources, and provided opportunities for future generations to build better lives.

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

To those who knew him personally, he was a friendly companion, a respected colleague, and most importantly, a loving father. His eldest son, Kalsom Taib, a writer and cultural activist, remembered him as a man of high honesty and fulfilling his responsibilities with utmost responsibility. "During Hari Raya, our family often receives gifts from customers.

As a child, we were eager because there was chocolate inside. However, my father would not accept even one of them – he would get angry at the person who brought him and ask them to bring it back." Kalsom, 84, told FMT Lifestyle. Born in Parit Bakar, Johor during World War I, Taib built a successful career in public service, rural development, and the corporate sector.

His significant role began in 1958 when he was appointed as the chairman of Felda to replace D E M Fiennes. The agency flourished during Taib's 13-year leadership, with over 100 land schemes developed nationwide. Notably, the Felda Taib Andak scheme in Kulai, Johor, became the first Felda-owned plantation and named in his honor.

Taib's contributions extended beyond Felda. In 1969, he was appointed chairman of Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and served on boards of corporate giants including Sime Darby and Federal Flour Mills. Kalsom remembers accompanying her father on his journeys to explore the country and help develop Felda land schemes. She urged him to drive himself during long journeys, as there were no modern roads and recreational areas back then, and they had to navigate far and winding paths.

"I will accompany my father while driving to the relevant areas. Conditions were different from today, where there are modern highways and recreational areas. We had to go through very far and winding roads," Kalsom said. Renamed in his honor, the Felda Taib Andak scheme in Kulai, Johor, became the agency's first oil palm plantation.

"I will talk to him while driving to the relevant areas. Sometimes, he would get too tired and need to stop for a short rest, and I would watch the car." Kalsom portrayed him as a man who tirelessly applied strong values in his children. Among the most important lessons learned was the courage to speak up when something was wrong and always being grateful for what one had rather than lamenting what was lacking.

Taib was highly dedicated in serving the then Prime Minister, Abdul Razak Hussein, with whom he had a close friendship. "Razak wanted to provide jobs for the unemployed and land for those without land. He had a similar vision, and my father helped him translate it. They worked together very well." While writing her father's biography, Taib Andak: In A Class Of His Own (2008), Kalsom attended a reunion of former Felda pioneers.

The Prime Minister at that time, Abdul Razak Hussein, gave her the honor of addressing him during a visit to Felda, with former deputy prime minister Abdul Ghafar Baba sitting beside her. (Kalsom Taib photo) There, she learned that the opportunities created through Felda had enabled many pioneers to send their children to university, many of whom later went on to build successful careers.

For her, it was a meaningful legacy – directly transforming many lives even after his duties were completed. However, Kalsom believes her father would likely be saddened by the controversies Felda has faced. Once considered a model for land development, she believes the agency is now just a shadow of its past glory.