Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak believes the Felda community understands that the existence of Felda is closely linked to the country's leadership, and thus will 'defend' Putrajaya (the federal government).
The Felda Settlers Day national celebration is held for the first time in Putrajaya and not in the land schemes to symbolise the close ties with the country's leadership since it was established 61 years ago.
Najib said all the Felda settlers have the rights and the shares for the existence of Putrajaya as the centre of the federal administration.
"Putrajaya would not have existed without the Felda settlers," he said greeted by loud applause from the settlers who were present at the celebration at Dataran Putrajaya, here today.
"The presence of more than 25,000 settlers in the celebration reflects the support of Felda settlers for the government in which they are the hard core supporters of the government in the land schemes."
Najib said there are at least 50,000 Felda second generation in the Klang Valley who have succeeded because of Felda and the government's struggle, and they will continue to support the government.
"Do not dare to dream and concoct stories that the Felda community does not support the government."
He quoted the words of his late father, second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, "mereka yang tiada tanah, kita berikan tanah, mereka yang tiada pekerjaan, kita berikan kerja dan tanah terbaik untuk rakyat terbaik" (we give land to the landless, we give jobs to the jobless, we give the best land to the best people).
Felda has changed the rural landscape by having 112,635 settlers in 317 land schemes covering 550,000 hectares nationwide and took some 100,000 families above the poverty line.
It also focus on human capital by providing educational opportunities to new generations to study in high-performance schools including three Asrama Semai Bakti and Mara Junior Science College (MRSM).
From Jan 1, 2014, Felda allocated RM15 million annually for 30 per cent loan of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).
From 2004 to 2016, Felda allocated over RM 592 million towards developing the education and skills of the settlers' children starting from the primary school level right up to the university.
Felda produced many public figures such as Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Othman Aziz, Public Service Department director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman, popular speaker Datuk Ustaz Kazim Elias and Chef Wan (celebrity chef Redzuawan Ismail) .
Najib, who is also Finance Minister said the government had taken proactive measures to boost the sale of palm oil including by making a visit to China.
From January to June this year, palm oil exports to China jumped by 13.4 percent, compared to the corresponding period last year.
The crude palm oil price has stabilised at RM2,949 per tonne in the first six months of this year.
"Some Felda settlers whispered to me, "Datuk Seri, please visit China often," said Najib jokingly.
On the Palm Oil and Deforestation of Rainforests resolution by the European Parliament, he said Malaysia and Indonesia are taking proactive measures to prevent its implementation.
--BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Jul 23 2017
Najib delivers his speech during the Felda Settlers Day national celebration at Dataran Putrajaya in Putrajaya today. --fotoBERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.