SERDANG: Mismanagement and poor governance at the top can have a direct impact on farmers and ordinary citizens at the grassroots, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
The Prime Minister pointed out that governance and anti-corruption are not abstract or elitist issues but matters that directly affect farmers and settlers at the grassroots, citing Felda as an example.
"It is among the largest plantation estates in the world. If managed well, returns go to the settlers," he said during the closing of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2026 at the Malaysia Agriculture Expo Park Serdang (Maeps) here on Sunday (Sept 6).
He also said that to cover Felda's losses, the Finance Ministry has to fork out nearly RM980m every year.
"If mismanaged, disaster and suffering falls on settlers.
My duty is to ensure governance follows the law. To stop corruption and abuse is not just political rhetoric," he said.
Anwar spoke about corruption affecting fertiliser distribution to padi farmers in Kedah.
"Once again, the victims were farmers… Which company was entrusted? Did they fulfill their responsibility or not? If they didn't, why was no action taken?
"Don't let farmers and paddy growers be victims," he said.
Anwar added that the MACC was looking into the matter.
