Himpunan Oren Selamatkan Felda failed to earn the confidence of settlers, Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal says.

Shafie, who is an Umno vice-president, said the rally organised by opposition-backed Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak) last Saturday, was not supported by settlers, and that it was a "burden on the people".

"They are losing support and (that's why) they are demonstrating. The settlers are enjoying the benefits of the Felda Global Ventures Holding Bhd (FGV) listing," Utusan Malaysia today quotes him as saying.

He rubbished Anak's claim that the future of the settlers was in jeopardy, saying the opposition, Pakatan Rakyat, would continue politicising government efforts to uplift the situation of the settlers.

Last Saturday, Anak-led Himpunan Oren marched from the Federal Territory Mosque located on Jalan Duta to the new palace to submit a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

More than 5,000 took part in the rally and appealed to the Agong to protect the welfare of the Felda settlers.