I refer to the Malaysiakini report Settlers accuse Felda of embezzling funds and write to express my regret that the National Felda Settlers Association itself seems to have failed to take direct action to address and indeed to try to oversome this problem.

In fact without going into too much detail, on the basis of my research and experience, the association has done little, if anything, to enhance a forceful settler response against Felda management’ indiscriminate empire-building plans and projects.

This had, and continues to have, a negative impact on developing viable settler communities, as originally intended when this massive land development scheme for the landless was first initiated.

With respect, I need to point out that my research projects resulted in the establishment of the Settler Development Division in 1970, and has continued to involve many constructive criticisms over the years that had even included my response to Felda being legally convicted of cheating settlers.

My research was highlighted by me being appointed to the first ever such UN project as lead consultant to the Social Impact Assessment of Felda (2002).

Very unfortunately, none of our recommendations to enable greater settler involvement in the Felda management and participation in Felda decision-making were ever implemented.

It seems to me that, at a time when the government has committed itself to reforms, the Felda Settler Association should demand that the entire Felda authority be restructured.

And towards this, the prime minister's promise should also be fulfilled in that the settlers’ options should be rightfully listed on the stock exchange.