Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has urged his former party to end its culture of political patronage, warning that the practice could further tarnish Umno’s image.
In a Facebook post, Puad said Umno’s reputation would be affected by issues surrounding Felda, which was reported to be facing losses of nearly RM10 billion due to mismanagement and political interference, particularly in the purchase of assets such as hotels and plantations.
Calls for wider investigations
Puad linked the alleged mismanagement to the period when former Umno vice-president Isa Samad chaired Felda from 2011 to 2017.
“But are there other perpetrators still free out there?” he asked.
Puad said that regardless of whether a forensic audit or a royal commission of inquiry is conducted, the investigations should not be limited to examining financial documents, sources of leakage, abuse of power and white-collar crimes.
“The probes must also lead to charges against those responsible, including special officers that took advantage (of Felda),” he said.
Puad warns against defending the indefensible
Puad also took aim at Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, urging him not to be “evasive” if the party is found to be implicated in Felda’s mismanagement.
He said the situation should serve as a lesson for Umno and warned against giving positions to individuals simply because they hold party posts or are known for complaining.
“Do not give positions to those who merely know how to complain simply because they hold positions in the party. Some won thanks to money politics,” he said.
“Do not try to defend the indefensible. Reform the system, especially the outdated practice of ‘political rewards (patronage)’ that damages the party’s image,” he added.
Forensic audit proposed
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Felda was facing losses of nearly RM10 billion due to mismanagement and excessive political interference.
The remarks prompted Zahid to call for a forensic audit of Felda to investigate allegations including abuse of power and governance failures.
Anwar subsequently said the proposal would be brought to the Cabinet for consideration.
