Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the management of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to prepare a comprehensive report on a proposed sale of a Felda-owned hotel that would reportedly result in a significant loss.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he had refused to approve the proposed transaction after discovering that the hotel was being considered for sale at £100 million (about RM550 million), despite having been purchased by Felda’s previous management for £160 million.
He said the proposed sale raised concerns, particularly as Felda settlers continue to face financial difficulties and require greater support to improve their living conditions and basic facilities.
“Felda is under my watch. Two months ago, the Felda management came and asked me to sign for the sale of this hotel,” Anwar said during his speech at the Semarak Kenegaraan Programme with the armed forces at Terendak Camp.
“I said, wait a moment, what kind of business is this? Selling at a price lower than when it was bought. So I did not sign. I said, find out who did this and submit a report,” he added.
Anwar questioned the rationale behind the proposed disposal, noting that many Felda settlers continue to struggle with inadequate income and basic infrastructure needs.
He said settlers had raised concerns during his visits, including requests for improvements to air-conditioning facilities, school repairs and better income opportunities.
“Felda settlers are struggling. When I visited the settlers, they said they wanted air conditioning, schools to be repaired, and their income is insufficient. But Felda itself is just casually losing money,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the decision to request a full report was intended to ensure greater accountability and protect Felda’s role as an important national institution.
He stressed that government agencies, particularly those established to support the country’s communities, must be managed responsibly and their resources protected.
“If we don’t do something, no matter how long, our agencies — including Malay agencies that we take pride in and want to defend — this is what will become of them. So we must correct that,” he said.
Also present at the event were Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Army Chief Gen Azhan Othman.
