Former PAS central committee member Mazlan Aliman has challenged current committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki to explain how the National Felda Settlers’ Children’s Association (Anak) could be deemed “radical”.

Mazlan, who is Anak president, said today he has no qualms if the NGO is considered “extreme” for defending Felda settlers but wants the PAS leader to point out which of Anak's actions are “extreme”.

“Is it considered radical if we voice out the oppression faced by Felda settlers? Is taking legal action and participating in demonstrations against Felda considered extreme?

“If these things are considered extreme and radical, then I have no problem. What’s important is that we are the alternative voice for the Felda community,” he told Malaysiakini .

Mazlan, who quit his central committee post in PAS on Tuesday, was responding to Zuhdi who had claimed that Anak was “ anti-establishment and quite radical ” by encouraging the children of Felda settlers to rebel in stating their demands.

Meanwhile, Mazlan explained that the main aim of the NGO, which was formed in 2008, was to defend Felda settlers and this includes the second and third generations.

Commenting on Zuhdi’s plan to establish a more Felda settler-friendly proxy, Mazlan said he welcomed the move, saying, “the more the merrier”.

“I welcome it, if (he) wants to bring the voice such as those of existing bodies which try to curry favour with the Felda management,” chuckles Mazlan.

Asked on Anak’s future plans, Mazlan said they planned to meet former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The NGO also plans to meet Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to discuss the future of Felda and Felda Global Venture (FGV).

Anak will also have the opening ceremony of its new headquarters in Ukay Perdana on June 27.