Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today hailed the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) as the most successful, unrivalled land development agency in the world.

Najib said many countries, in Africa for example, had applied the Felda module founded by Malaysia's second prime minister, his father Abdul Razak Hussein, 60 years ago but failed.

"Visiting heads of government taken to the Felda land schemes are impressed and desire to import the module. We have sent our Felda teams to assist as well.

"However, it has not worked out as their governments are unable to implement the scheme like in Malaysia, where boldness in carrying it out had brought success and international recognition," he said.

Najib said this at the launch of the national-level Felda Settlers Day 2016 at the compound of the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, Pahang. The theme of the event is 'Appreciating the Blessings, Unity and Togetherness'.

Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Razali Ibrahim and Felda chairperson Mohd Isa Samad were also present at the event.

Najib said Felda may have scored various successes but he, as the heir to the legacy of his father Abdul Razak, remained unsatisfied and always strived to make
improvements.

"It is difficult for me to let go of Felda. In fact, Felda should not be under my jurisdiction. However, as Felda is synonymous with me and my family, I provide the support and aid for Felda to remain successful," he said.

Najib said that as a measure of transformation, the government planned to improve governance at Felda and that this would be discussed in detail at the 'Felda Enhancement Laboratory' and the outcome announced soon.

He also said that he was in the know about many complaints about Felda, such as late payment after harvest, expensive houses, disorganised harvesting, incomplete statements and delayed issuance.

"It is for this reason that we have a lab to discuss matters in detail and many recommendations are put forth. There are about 200 to 300 suggestions and I will
go through them. Soon, we will announce improvements to the Felda governance," he said.

Najib said that in the face of falling commodity prices in the world markets, the government had also taken various steps, including cooperating with Indonesia
to explore new measures in the current global economic environment, and these were showing positive results.

"We have come up with recommendations to improve palm oil prices although they are dependent on the world economic environment that is beyond our control," he said, expressing the hope that the settlers would continue to persevere and remain with Felda.

Najib said Felda had done a lot for the settler community, providing them with various amenities and aid to raise their standard of living so that they could emerge from the shackles of poverty as envisaged by his father.

"Tun Abdul Razak, when he wanted to develop Felda, had said 'land for the landless and good land for good people". So, Tun Abdul Razak regarded all settlers as good people," he added.

- Bernama