Opposition party PAS today alleged that unqualified and inexperienced padi seedlings suppliers are awarded contract to supply farmers, putting their crop and livelihood at risk from substandard seedlings.

“What guarantees are there that they will supply quality seedlings? Just last season, farmers complained of substandard seedlings," said the Islamic party’s vice-president, Mahfuz Omar.

He argued that bad seedlings may lead to a bad crop that may impact negatively on the livelihood of the farmers.

NONE Speaking during his turn at debating the national budget, Mahfuz Omar ( right ) based his allegation on a letter he claimed is from the Finance Ministry to the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Ministry.

The letter, copies of which were distributed to the media, stated that the finalised list of suppliers who tendered for the seedling suply contract failed to meet Finance Ministry guidelines for government contractors either because of lack of technical expertise or failing to submit proper documentation.

NONE However, the same letter stated that despite the contractors failing to meet ministry guidelines, the Finance Ministry has agreed to allow the contractors to be selected for the RM164.8 million seedling supply tender, in view that the need for the commodity is pressing with the sowing season approaching.

The ministry however stated that the approval is subject to the companies complying with the requirements of the supply contract.

Mahfuz warned that doing so is irresponsible as it literally means that the farmers livelihood are put at risk, at the mercy of contractors who are not qualified to do the job.

Fat bonus for Tabung Haji CEO

During the debate, he also raised concern over what he claims is exorbitant remuneration for Tabung Haji’s chief executive officer Ismee Ismail.

He claimed that Ismee is paid RM85,000 a month (up from RM70,000 a month last year) and received a bonus of RM700,000 last year, on top of RM490,000 gratuity upon the end of his contract.

“I have a letter signed by the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department to prove this... and this is only one government-linked company (GLC),” he said.

Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang), however, contended that Ismee is in charge of a host of Tabung Haji subsidiaries, which have raked in profits which justify his pay.

“If so, why are Tabung Haji contributors receiving only 6 percent dividend?... This concerns the kampung folk (who) are happy to get RM500 to spend on the haj but don’t realise that someone else is getting RM700,000,” Mahfuz contended.

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