Felda Settlers Becomes High Income Group In Five Years Time - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said about 112,635 Felda settlers in the country could be part of a high income group in five years, as envisaged in the New Economic Model (NEM).

"The history of Felda will always treasure these great leaders who have made tremendous contributions towards transforming the lives of the settler-community and establishing Felda as a leading corporate entity.

"Today, the settlers are living in a medium quality of life with an average monthly income of RM3,500 and in five years time, the settlers could be part of a high income group as envisaged in the NEM," he said in his keynote address at the Felda Dinner Talk entitled Effective Leadership Transformation here, Friday night.

His speech text was read by Deputy Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

Najib said after 55 years in existence, Felda has become more than just a land development agency and has proven to be one of the most successful organization domestically and internationally.

"It has turned out to be one of the most successful conglomerates in the country with a total plantation area of 800,000 hectares in oil palm and rubber and 88 subsidiaries, associates and joint venture companies.

"Felda is a national brand that has enhanced the image of the country through its business dealings, capacity development and joint-ventures," he said.

He said Felda can become a global player only if the staff were ready to change and adapt according to the needs of the economic and social environment.

"We need creative and innovative people to fuel the growth of this organization. "We need to foster a culture of creativity to add value to organization. Innovation and creative should be the responsibility of everyone and not just the management team," he said.