KUALA LUMPUR (June 26): Minister of Economic Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has confirmed that Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh will succeed Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor as chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), confirming a report by The Edge Financial Daily today.
In a statement, Azmin said he respects Megat Zaharuddin's desire to relinquish his position and has discussed the issue of the latter's successor with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“The Prime Minister has agreed to appoint Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh as Felda’s new chairman for two years, effective from July 1, 2019 until June 30, 2021,” he said.
“Tan Sri Mohd Bakke is a corporate figure with integrity and credibility. He has extensive experience in the corporate sector, including the plantation industry. I am confident that he possesses the leadership skills to continue the effort to restore Felda as an agency that can maintain settlers’ dignity and guarantee Felda’s sustainability,” he added.
Today, The Edge Financial Daily reported, citing sources, that Bakke has been put forward as the top contender to helm Felda, following his retirement as managing director of Sime Darby Plantation Bhd on June 30.
On Tuesday, Felda also confirmed another report by The Edge Financial Daily that same day, which stated that Megat Zaharuddin had resigned. His resignation, which takes effect on June 30, came just 11 months after he first took the job on July 27 last year.