Felda probe report to be out next week

A preliminary report on an investigation into financial mismanagement at Felda is set to be released next week, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister emphasized that no individual involved in misconduct within the land development agency should be spared from scrutiny or punishment. He firmly stated that he would not dictate who should be investigated, charged, or punished, upholding the principle of justice.

Anwar denied that the report's release was an act of retribution or vendetta, questioning the accusations of abuse of power.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) plans to seek charges against two former Felda officials arrested last Sunday for alleged irregularities in the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City development project. The MACC's investigation papers are complete, and recommendations for charges will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for authorization to proceed with prosecution.

Prime Minister Anwar explained that the investigation into Felda commenced due to the government's financial responsibility for the agency's losses, which amounted to RM980 million annually. He acknowledged that the government had to spend RM450 million on repairing houses across the nation that had been neglected and poorly managed for decades.

Anwar stated that the government's decision to investigate Felda aimed to demonstrate its commitment to preventing corruption and abuse of power, similar to previous investigations into other entities like Tabung Haji.