Speaking to FMT, Mazlan said he hoped PH would end Barisan Nasional’s (BN) practice of choosing those who had become too far removed from people on the ground.

“I think this time they should give the post to the new generation of Felda settlers. Those who are in touch with what is happening on the ground and understand the issues affecting the Felda community,” he said.

He said choosing from among such people would ensure these issues would be addressed and solutions quickly found.

Asked whether it would be a problem to choose someone who was politically affiliated, Mazlan, who is an Amanah Supreme Council member, said it would not be an issue.

“What’s most important is the person’s political will to develop and bring the Felda community forward.”

Earlier, in a press statement, Mazlan said he sympathised with Shahrir who was tossed into the mess left behind by the previous Felda chairman and given the task of solving it.

“As an outsider, I’m sure it must have been hard for him to regain the trust of Felda settlers.

“Unless one completely knows what it means to be a Felda settler, it’s very difficult to solve the issues settlers have been plagued with for the last several decades,” he said in the statement.

Mazlan said he had on numerous occasions wanted to extend his help to Shahrir.

“But I never got a response until the day he resigned.”

He also said Anak was grateful for everything Shahrir had attempted to do as Felda chairman and that his efforts would not be forgotten.