Yusof Noor, Rozali urged to clear name over Felda listing

(New Straits Times) – Bayan Baru Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim yesterday called on two corporate figures to clear their names over their alleged involvement to stop the listing of Felda Global Ventures on Bursa Malaysia.

The Independent MP claimed that former Felda president Tan Sri Yusof Noor and Syabas executive chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail could be “in cahoots” with the opposition coalition to halt the plan.

“I hope they come out and clear their names because we don’t want them to be used by Pakatan Rakyat whose aim is only to fail this (listing) plan,” he told reporters yesterday.

Zahrain, who refused to reveal his source of information, said this was based on “talks” claiming that Rozali, who is also Gabungan Wawasan Generasi Felda Berhad president, was aiming for the Felda chairman’s position.

“There were also talks saying that Yusof was not happy (with the listing) and we do not want people to perceive that he is involved with Pakatan Rakyat in going against FGV.”

Instead, Zahrain said Yusof and Rozali should put their trust on Tan Sri Isa Samad (Felda chairman) who is responsible in making the listing a reality.

“Yusof and Rozali should prioritise the settlers’ interest rather than theirs because the settlers will definitely benefit from this listing,” he said.

Last week, Isa likened those who were against the idea of the listing as “traitors” to the settlers and the organisation.

Isa had said the opponents were mixing facts with fiction and spreading lies to gain influence and instill fear and mistrust among the settlers.

FGV, the commercial arm of Felda will be listed in the bourse by middle of 2012 as the world’s largest listed plantation entity.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced the listing in his 2012 Budget speech.

 However, attempts to contact Rozali and Yusof for comments were unsuccessful at press time.