Umno must end culture of political patronage, says Puad
Umno must end culture of political patronage, says Puad
Puad Zarkashi says the Umno president should not be 'evasive' if the party is found to have been involved in Felda’s mismanagement.
In a Facebook post, Puad said Umno’s image would take a hit from the issues plaguing Felda, which was reported to be facing losses of nearly RM10 billion due to mismanagement and political interference, especially in purchasing assets such as hotels and plantations.
Puad said the mismanagement was linked to the period when Umno’s former vice-president, Isa Samad, chaired the agency from 2011 to 2017.
“But are there other perpetrators still free out there?
“Regardless of whether it is a forensic audit or a royal commission of inquiry, I hope that these investigations will not look only into 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 also took aim at Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, asking him not to be “evasive” if the party is implicated in Felda’s mismanagement.
“This should serve as a lesson. 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.
“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 Reform the system, especially the outdated practice of ‘political rewards (patronage)’ that damages the party’s image,” he said.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Felda was facing losses of nearly RM10 billion because of mismanagement and excessive political interference.
This prompted a call from Zahid for a forensic audit of Felda to investigate allegations, including of abuse of power and governance failures. Anwar subsequently said the proposal would be brought to the Cabinet for consideration.
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