The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is demanding that PKR apologise and pay RM200 million in damages for the party organ's article claiming that the agency was bankrupt.

The letter of demand dated today was delivered to PKR as the newspaper's owner, the publisher Pelita Koridor Sdn Bhd and printer Percetakan NPK Sdn Bhd listing both demands, giving them seven days to comply, failing which court action will follow.

ahmad maslan "The notice among others demanded compensation for 'the serious reputation damage' done to Felda resulting from the allegations contained in the Suara Keadilan article volume number 237 dated June 22 to 29 with the heading Felda Bangkrap," said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Maslan ( left ).

Speaking at a press conference at the parliament lobby today, he added that the sum demanded did not really represent the extent of the damage done to Felda's reputation, but was what they had decided upon can be deemed comparable compensation.

"We looked at the normal amounts paid to individuals for slander and it was about RM100 million, but Felda is a reputable organisation... so we think that RM200 million is a more suitable figure.

"It is not a small thing to spread slander, furthermore to a reputable organisation like Felda."

The deputy minister added that Felda's legal action is not only a lesson for PKR and Suara Keadilan but also a reminder that one should not misuse press freedom to spread slander.

"They say that Felda is bankrupt, it is they who are bankrupt, bankrupt of issues," said Ahmad in a parting dig at the opposition party.

Meanwhile, Suara Keadilan chief editor Dzulkarnain Taib confirmed that the publication has received the letter of demand from Felda.

Dzulkarnain said the publication’s lawyers will deliberate on the issue. 

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