The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Association of Children of Felda Settlers (Anak) and Hisbah Centre For Reform (Hisbah) to fight corruption in Felda is viewed as a mere gimmick to attract media attention.

Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad regards the cooperation as a "syok sendiri" (self-pleasing) exercise compared to the concrete measures taken by the Felda management in combating corruption in the organisation by signing an MOU with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the body responsible for fighting corruption in the country.

"We (Felda) had actually been way ahead of them in boosting integrity and rejecting corruption at all levels by making an agreement and integrity pledge with the MACC, besides coming up with the whistleblower policy for the Felda management and staff.

"This whistleblower policy enables the informants on corruption and abuse of power to be protected, thus facilitating action and any misconduct could be nipped early," he told reporters after attending a press conference on the National-Level Felda Settlers Day celebration in Putrajaya today.

He was commenting on Anak's move yesterday of signing an MOU with Hisbah, which is headed by Ezam Mohamad Nor, the objectives of which include carrying out an anti-corruption campaign in all the Felda areas beginning May 21.

The campaign reportedly will start in the Pekan parliamentary constituency which is represented by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Shahrir said the choice of the prime minister's constituency to start the campaign, although a tactic to attract media attention, in a general election the voters including Felda staff and settlers were a major contributing factor to victory and not other matters.

"To us, it's simple; whatever we do is important for Felda's continuity as an organisation in terms of financial capability and administration... that is our priority," he said.

- Bernama