Johor polls: Azmin challenges Najib to debate over Felda issues

MUAR: International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has challenged former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to a debate on issues involving the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) before March 12.

Azmin said the debate was important to verify the claims made by the Pekan MP that he and Umno had rescued Felda during his campaigns.

“The fact is that Felda was destroyed under his administration. We have all the facts which clearly show the purchase of real estate overseas which is currently under investigation by the authorities,” said Azmin.

“The White Paper has proven that the betrayal against Felda settlers is too obvious and Najib cannot thump his chests by claiming it was Umno who saved Felda since it was under his leadership that the future of Felda settlers was crushed,” he added when speaking to reporters late Saturday (March 5) night.

Azmin added that through the debate, Felda settlers would be able to know that the Perikatan Nasional government was the one who had saved Felda and its settlers by agreeing in principle to dispose of RM8.3bil of settlers’ loans to relaunch Felda.

The Minister added that he was open to any form of debates whether via online or face-to-face but it was up to Najib to accept it or not.

The polling day for the Johor state election has been set for March 12, while early voting is on March 8.

Azmin, who was the former economic affairs minister under the Pakatan Harapan government, had previously tabled the White Paper in the Dewan Rakyat in April 2019.

The White Paper revealed that Felda Global Ventures spent RM3.3bil (73%) of the RM4.5bil on investments and developments which were not profitable, such as the takeover of several companies with the agency incurring tremendous debt and losses after being publicly listed in 2012 under Najib’s administration.