FGV needs to urgently solve its internal crisis, says Shahir

Chairman Tan Sri Shahir Abdul Samad said a protracted crisis would ultimately dash the hopes and confidence of settlers, investors and erode Felda's bottomline.

Besides, he also asked FGV to quickly appoint three persons who would represent Felda in the organisation and help resolve the ongoing boardroom tussle.

"It is a normal request given the fact that Felda is the largest shareholder in FGV with a 33 per cent equity stake.

"We (Felda board) on May 23 decided to name three of our representatives to be appointed to FGV's board of directors.

"It is important for FGV to be seen as a company which is well managed and understands its palm oil business well," he told reporters after presenting handouts to the hardcore poor, orphans, single mothers and the physically challenged here Friday.

FGV Group President/Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad was forced to go on leave along with FGV Group Financial Officer Ahmad Tifli Mohd Talha last Tuesday following a boardroom tussle between Zakaria and FGV Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.

The tussle stemmed from late payment by Afghan company, Safitex, to Delima Oil Products Sdn Bhd (DOP), an FGV subsidiary.

It was reported that the Dubai-based company, which had long outstanding debts with DOP, has not made payments to the company since the financial year ending Dec 31, 2015.

Prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak viewed the crisis very seriously and had appointed Datuk Seri Idris Jala as an independent party to establish the facts behind the boardroom tussle within FGV.

Shahrir described the move as very apt.

"The FGV turmoil needs to settled well, its not a question of who will emerge the winner. If it (tussle) prolongs, it will impact Felda and even the payment of dividends to settlers."

To date, there has been no reply from FGV on the appointment of three Felda representatives to its board of directors.

The trio identified to sit on the FGV board comprise two management representatives and a board member from Felda.

"If there is no reply, I will write a letter next week, recommending three names that have been approved to represent Felda in FGV."