With only less than 48 hours to polling, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today spent his time handing out millions of ringgit to Hulu Selangor voters.
His first stop was Sungai Buaya, where he gave out long overdue cash payment of RM50,000 each to 100 of the 363 Felda settlers.
The payments were compensation promised by the BN government following a failed attempt to develop the Felda land into a northern hub.
In 1994, the Felda settlers had signed off their 10 acres of land each to a developer for RM121,000 an acre, which comes up to RM1.2 million. The total transaction involved 1,335 hectares of land.
The project was later abandoned partly due to the 1997
economic crisis, and the settlers were paid not more than RM250,000 cash in instalments.
'Your misery ends today'
His first stop was Sungai Buaya, where he gave out long overdue cash payment of RM50,000 each to 100 of the 363 Felda settlers.
The payments were compensation promised by the BN government following a failed attempt to develop the Felda land into a northern hub.In 1994, the Felda settlers had signed off their 10 acres of land each to a developer for RM121,000 an acre, which comes up to RM1.2 million. The total transaction involved 1,335 hectares of land.
The project was later abandoned partly due to the 1997
economic crisis, and the settlers were paid not more than RM250,000 cash in instalments.
'Your misery ends today'
The premier, who joined the villagers for Friday prayers and later had lunch at a nearby school, vowed that BN will pour in more money to develop the area, including a RM85 million North-South Expressway interchange.
He said the construction of the elevated interchange is expected to boost property prices in the abandoned project area.
He said the construction of the elevated interchange is expected to boost property prices in the abandoned project area.
But there is catch - Najib said that the additional money will only come provided that Selangor falls back into BN's hands in the next general election.
"We have agreed to pay RM160,000 an acre. The payment will be taken care of when the land is developed... (but) that is in your hands. Make sure that in the upcoming general election, Selangor returns to BN's control," said Najib.
While information is sketchy over today's payout, it is understood that the federal government is bringing in a new developer to rescue the abandoned project and will be offering RM160,000 per acre to the settlers.
The RM50,000 from the federal government is apparently a down payment.
"Today, we are giving RM1,000 cash and RM49,000 in bank drafts. I give my word that our promises will be fulfilled," he said.
"We have agreed to pay RM160,000 an acre. The payment will be taken care of when the land is developed... (but) that is in your hands. Make sure that in the upcoming general election, Selangor returns to BN's control," said Najib.
While information is sketchy over today's payout, it is understood that the federal government is bringing in a new developer to rescue the abandoned project and will be offering RM160,000 per acre to the settlers.
The RM50,000 from the federal government is apparently a down payment.
"Today, we are giving RM1,000 cash and RM49,000 in bank drafts. I give my word that our promises will be fulfilled," he said.
"Your misery and your long wait ends today.”
MB vs PM
BN's P Kamalanathan and Pakatan Rakyat's Zaid Ibrahim will face off in the Hulu Selangor by-election on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim attempted to blunt Najib's move a few hours earlier in a visit to the same area.
He said the state government would take over the abandoned land and compensate the Felda settlers in three months if the existing developer fails to rescue the Sungai Buaya project.
Khalid, who made the announcement at a community hall in the village, leaked news of BN's cash offer and cautioned them on "BN's tricks" to garner votes.
"Take the money because it is your money but don't sign any documents," Khalid told the people and promised to get them a lawyer to ensure that the transaction is proper.
He pointed out that the BN state government, which was in power for more than 50 years, had failed to address their problems.
The Selangor MB also said the state government would not approve any development project which does not have the settlers' interest at heart.
'Vote for a bigger angpow'
In addition to the cash payments, Najib also promised that troubled Yayasan Basmikan Kemiskinan (YBK) project to construct the UiTM branch in Serendah will be revived if BN is back in power.
"We want change, we will make change if Selangor is won by BN. UiTM will be built in Serendah."
At his next stop this afternoon, Najib vowed to donate RM90,000 for a Chinese cemetery in Hulu Yam Bharu.
Referring to it as an early 'angpow', he pleaded to the Chinese community in the area to vote for a bigger 'angpow'.
Touching on his visit to the United States recently, he told the local residents that he was invited to have bilateral discussion with President Barack Obama.
"The US president wouldn't have wasted his time with us if Malaysia is not good enough," he said in an attempt to refute the opposition's claim that the visit was a public relations stunt.
"Malaysia is an oasis of stability in the region and to be successful we need the mandate of the people of Hulu Selangor," said Najib.
"I want to tell the US president we have the support of Hulu Selangor... We win here and Obama will know that BN is strong.
“Even though Obama doesn't know Hulu Selangor, he will now know," said Najib drawing tumultuous applauses from supporters present.
MB vs PM
BN's P Kamalanathan and Pakatan Rakyat's Zaid Ibrahim will face off in the Hulu Selangor by-election on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim attempted to blunt Najib's move a few hours earlier in a visit to the same area.He said the state government would take over the abandoned land and compensate the Felda settlers in three months if the existing developer fails to rescue the Sungai Buaya project.
Khalid, who made the announcement at a community hall in the village, leaked news of BN's cash offer and cautioned them on "BN's tricks" to garner votes.
"Take the money because it is your money but don't sign any documents," Khalid told the people and promised to get them a lawyer to ensure that the transaction is proper.
He pointed out that the BN state government, which was in power for more than 50 years, had failed to address their problems.
The Selangor MB also said the state government would not approve any development project which does not have the settlers' interest at heart.
'Vote for a bigger angpow'
In addition to the cash payments, Najib also promised that troubled Yayasan Basmikan Kemiskinan (YBK) project to construct the UiTM branch in Serendah will be revived if BN is back in power.
"We want change, we will make change if Selangor is won by BN. UiTM will be built in Serendah."
At his next stop this afternoon, Najib vowed to donate RM90,000 for a Chinese cemetery in Hulu Yam Bharu.Referring to it as an early 'angpow', he pleaded to the Chinese community in the area to vote for a bigger 'angpow'.
Touching on his visit to the United States recently, he told the local residents that he was invited to have bilateral discussion with President Barack Obama.
"The US president wouldn't have wasted his time with us if Malaysia is not good enough," he said in an attempt to refute the opposition's claim that the visit was a public relations stunt.
"Malaysia is an oasis of stability in the region and to be successful we need the mandate of the people of Hulu Selangor," said Najib.
"I want to tell the US president we have the support of Hulu Selangor... We win here and Obama will know that BN is strong.
“Even though Obama doesn't know Hulu Selangor, he will now know," said Najib drawing tumultuous applauses from supporters present.
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