Terendak camp: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to deliver a comprehensive report on the proposed sale of a hotel owned by the agency, which is reportedly being sold at a significant loss.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, has withheld his signature from the approval document for the sale after learning that the hotel was to be sold for 100 million British pounds, a stark contrast to its purchase price of 160 million British pounds by the previous management.

Anwar expressed his disappointment regarding the proposal, particularly in light of the ongoing struggles faced by Felda settlers who continue to need government support for essential improvements. During his address at the 'Semarak Kenegaraan Programme' with the Malaysian Armed Forces, he highlighted the settlers' need for better facilities, including air conditioning and school repairs, amid insufficient incomes.

"Felda is under my watch. Two months ago, the Felda management came and asked me to sign for the sale of this hotel. I said, wait a moment, what kind of business is this? Selling at a price lower than when it was bought. So I did not sign. I said, find out who did this and submit a report," Anwar stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the agency.

He further stressed that the directive to Felda aims to safeguard its status as a crucial Malaysian institution. "If we don't (do something), no matter how long, our agencies - including Malay agencies that we take pride in and want to defend - this is what will become of them. So we must correct that," he added.

The event also saw the attendance of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman.