Mohd Isa Samad new Felda chairman

(Bernama) — Former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad has been appointed chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) effective Jan 1 next year, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Mohd Isa succeeds Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor who has been appointed advisor to the minister in charge of Felda, also effective Jan 1, 2011.

The statement said Mohd Isa was appointed to the post based on the government’s confidence in his ability to serve with excellence and effectiveness.

It said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Dr Mohd Yusof for having helmed Felda from July 1, 2001 to Dec 31, 2010.

Under Dr Mohd Yusof’s leadership, Felda underwent a remarkable transformation and scored many successes and, at the same time, contributed to the national economy, it added.

Mohd Isa, 61, was the menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan for 22 years, from 1982 to 2004.

He was also a minister of the federal territories and is a former vice-president of Umno.

Mohd Isa became the assemblyman of Bagan Pinang in the parliamentary constituency of Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, after winning a by-election on Oct 11 last year when he beat Zulkefly Mohamad Omar of PAS by a majority of 5,435 votes.