KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) paid RM1.3bil in taxes to the Inland Revenue Board during the four-year period from 2004, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

Ahmad, who is in charge of Felda, said the payment proved that Felda was not bankrupt as claimed by the Opposition.

“This is the first time we are revealing this data to the public.

“It is to prove that the allegation that Felda is bankrupt is wrong.

“This is Felda’s contribution to the Government and the people.

“The money can be used by the Government to help the people,” he said at a press conference after opening a seminar on Felda management and launching the Felda Management Manual here yesterday.

Present were Felda general manager Datuk Dzulkifli Abd Wahab and Felda Global Venture Holdings president Datuk Sabri Ahmad.

Ahmad said if it was true that Felda was bankrupt “how was it possible that an agency which receives no financial assistance from the Government, could pay such a high amount in taxes?”

On the RM200mil suit Felda planned to file against Suara Keadilan for publishing the report “Felda Bangkrap” last month after the seven-day notice for apology had lapsed, Ahmad said the matter was being looked into by a panel of lawyers.

On the management manual, Ahmad said it was an update to the one published 10 years ago, making it more comprehensive.

“It covers Felda’s job descriptions such as farm management as well as issues such as community development, human resources, financial, land management and entrepreneur development.”

He said the manual would be updated from time to time in line with changes in government policies.