Brief IDEAS No. 25 – Structural Changes and the Prospect for FELDA
by James Chin, Nur Zulaikha Azmi
There is no doubt that the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) worked in its initial decades in providing a way for poor Bumiputera to get a head start in palm oil. However, this Monitor will argue that there are structural changes which influence the sustainability of the current FELDA model.
These changes include global decline in palm oil prices due to the end of the commodity super cycle and shifts in global demand for palm oil. In addition, previous efforts to diversify FELDA’s income through commercialisation, especially the establishment of FGV, has led to massive losses and shifts in the demography of settlers further necessitates review of the functions of FELDA.
This GLC Monitor calls for fundamental reforms to FELDA to address structural issues including those highlighted in the Monitor.
Download the paper at https://bit.ly/GLCmonitorFELDA
by James Chin, Nur Zulaikha Azmi
There is no doubt that the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) worked in its initial decades in providing a way for poor Bumiputera to get a head start in palm oil. However, this Monitor will argue that there are structural changes which influence the sustainability of the current FELDA model.
These changes include global decline in palm oil prices due to the end of the commodity super cycle and shifts in global demand for palm oil. In addition, previous efforts to diversify FELDA’s income through commercialisation, especially the establishment of FGV, has led to massive losses and shifts in the demography of settlers further necessitates review of the functions of FELDA.
This GLC Monitor calls for fundamental reforms to FELDA to address structural issues including those highlighted in the Monitor.
Download the paper at https://bit.ly/GLCmonitorFELDA
Brief IDEAS No. 26 - Orang Asli and the Right to Self-Determination: Are we there yet?
by Gamaliel Kan
The UNDRIP is a universal framework of "the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world". So, is Malaysia there yet?
In our latest paper, "Orang Asli and the Right to Self-Determination: Are we there yet?", authored by Gamaliel Kan, he assesses the legal challenges faced by the Orang Asli communities in achieving their right to self-determination.
Read it here: http://bit.ly/OAself.
by Gamaliel Kan
The UNDRIP is a universal framework of "the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world". So, is Malaysia there yet?
In our latest paper, "Orang Asli and the Right to Self-Determination: Are we there yet?", authored by Gamaliel Kan, he assesses the legal challenges faced by the Orang Asli communities in achieving their right to self-determination.
Read it here: http://bit.ly/OAself.
Did you guys know that we could find out the progress of budget implementation by the government in The Mid-Year Review?
Sadly, The Mid-Year Review was never published except for last year. So what are we missing since it wasn't tabled this year?
#OpenBudget
Sadly, The Mid-Year Review was never published except for last year. So what are we missing since it wasn't tabled this year?
#OpenBudget
𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
FELDA was once successful in bringing rural households out of poverty. However, it’s now having problems with improving settler’s welfare and being competitive due to changes in the world. It’s time for FELDA’s model to change.
In our latest GLC Monitor, we call for fundamental reform to the FELDA model. Read the paper herebit.ly/GLCmonitorFELDA
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FELDA was once successful in bringing rural households out of poverty. However, it’s now having problems with improving settler’s welfare and being competitive due to changes in the world. It’s time for FELDA’s model to change.
In our latest GLC Monitor, we call for fundamental reform to the FELDA model. Read the paper herebit.ly/GLCmonitorFELDA
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MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release
IDEAS: Publish the ECRL project feasibility study before renegotiating any further
- The government has announced that the ECRL will once again be renegotiated
- Both the original ECRL project under Barisan Nasional and the revised project negotiated by Pakatan Harapan failed to meet internationally accepted standards for transparency
- Key information such as the feasibility study and the Environmental Impact Assessment has not been made publicly available
- The Perikatan Nasional should publish the feasibility study before the renegotiation. The publication will signal this government’s commitment to a higher standard of infrastructure transparency
Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2020, - The Minister of Transport confirmed yesterday that the Perikatan Nasional government is seeking another renegotiation to the ECRL alignment. The minister said that the realignment “has the potential to lower project costs and reduce the amount of time required”. (The Edge Malaysia, 8 September 2020)
IDEAS welcomes the current government’s intention to lower the cost of the project. However, we call on the government to provide the public with a feasibility study that comprehensively shows that the proposed realignment exercises will indeed lower costs and save time.
Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS, said: “ Large infrastructure projects such as the ECRL require a significant amount of public funding. The government must ensure that the decisions around these projects are based on achieving value for money and high-quality service delivery, while supported through comprehensive feasibility studies. These studies should also be published as part of a robust assurance process. The failure to disclose them undermines evidence-based decision making.”
Internationally accepted standards for transparency require the government to publish key project information such as the estimated project budget, necessary land and property acquisition, price of materials, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures that would be available through the publication of feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessments.
In 2019, the Pakatan Harapan renegotiated the project to reduce the cost of the project. Months of negotiations indeed resulted in a project cost reduction of RM21.5 billion and a significant realignment of the ECRL including the now contested Section C portion. However, Pakatan Harapan did not complete the Environmental Impact Assessment required by the Environmental Quality Act 1974 nor did it publish the Feasibility Study for this section of the track. The significant cost reduction from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion had been based on a comprehensive value engineering exercise, but no such report on the exercise had ever been published to the public either.
"This is a perfect opportunity for the current government to demonstrate higher transparency standards than the previous two administrations. Providing comprehensive information on large infrastructure projects that abide by international standards will set Perikatan Nasional apart from its predecessors, and set a good example within the region as well", commented Tricia.
--- END ---
For media enquiries, please contact Muhammad Azam Wan Hashim at azam@ideas.org.my or call 03-2070 8881
For immediate release
IDEAS: Publish the ECRL project feasibility study before renegotiating any further
- The government has announced that the ECRL will once again be renegotiated
- Both the original ECRL project under Barisan Nasional and the revised project negotiated by Pakatan Harapan failed to meet internationally accepted standards for transparency
- Key information such as the feasibility study and the Environmental Impact Assessment has not been made publicly available
- The Perikatan Nasional should publish the feasibility study before the renegotiation. The publication will signal this government’s commitment to a higher standard of infrastructure transparency
Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2020, - The Minister of Transport confirmed yesterday that the Perikatan Nasional government is seeking another renegotiation to the ECRL alignment. The minister said that the realignment “has the potential to lower project costs and reduce the amount of time required”. (The Edge Malaysia, 8 September 2020)
IDEAS welcomes the current government’s intention to lower the cost of the project. However, we call on the government to provide the public with a feasibility study that comprehensively shows that the proposed realignment exercises will indeed lower costs and save time.
Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS, said: “ Large infrastructure projects such as the ECRL require a significant amount of public funding. The government must ensure that the decisions around these projects are based on achieving value for money and high-quality service delivery, while supported through comprehensive feasibility studies. These studies should also be published as part of a robust assurance process. The failure to disclose them undermines evidence-based decision making.”
Internationally accepted standards for transparency require the government to publish key project information such as the estimated project budget, necessary land and property acquisition, price of materials, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures that would be available through the publication of feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessments.
In 2019, the Pakatan Harapan renegotiated the project to reduce the cost of the project. Months of negotiations indeed resulted in a project cost reduction of RM21.5 billion and a significant realignment of the ECRL including the now contested Section C portion. However, Pakatan Harapan did not complete the Environmental Impact Assessment required by the Environmental Quality Act 1974 nor did it publish the Feasibility Study for this section of the track. The significant cost reduction from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion had been based on a comprehensive value engineering exercise, but no such report on the exercise had ever been published to the public either.
"This is a perfect opportunity for the current government to demonstrate higher transparency standards than the previous two administrations. Providing comprehensive information on large infrastructure projects that abide by international standards will set Perikatan Nasional apart from its predecessors, and set a good example within the region as well", commented Tricia.
--- END ---
For media enquiries, please contact Muhammad Azam Wan Hashim at azam@ideas.org.my or call 03-2070 8881
The government has formed a cabinet committee to look into a National Food Security Policy, following concerns about food supplies during the MCO. IDEAS Senior Fellow, Prof. Fatimah Arshad spoke with BFM 89.9 - The Business Station on what can be done to ensure our food chains can better withstand a crisis. #foodsecurity https://bfm.my/podcast/evening-edition/evening-edition/ensuring-food-security-in-a-crisis
BFM 89.9
Evening Edition: Ensuring Food Security In A Crisis
The government has formed a cabinet committee to look into a National Food Security Policy, followin
We're looking for a graphic design intern!
The Graphic Design Intern is responsible for providing support for the External Relations (ER) department. They will report to the designer or manager. This is a paid position for 3 months.
Their primary duties include but are not limited to:
Assist with collateral updates and version control
Assist with preparing images or artwork to coincide with social media and website posts
Assist with website updates via WordPress
Requirements:
1. Excellent computer knowledge for both Mac/Apple and PC environments
2. Must be proficient in basic design programs including Adobe Creative Suite and basic HTML/CSS code
3. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and administrative skills
4. Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified time frames
5. Organized, dependable and detail-oriented
6. Team player, quick learner and efficient
7. Able to work well under pressure
8. Qualified candidates should send their resume and portfolio to murni@ideas.org.my.
The Graphic Design Intern is responsible for providing support for the External Relations (ER) department. They will report to the designer or manager. This is a paid position for 3 months.
Their primary duties include but are not limited to:
Assist with collateral updates and version control
Assist with preparing images or artwork to coincide with social media and website posts
Assist with website updates via WordPress
Requirements:
1. Excellent computer knowledge for both Mac/Apple and PC environments
2. Must be proficient in basic design programs including Adobe Creative Suite and basic HTML/CSS code
3. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and administrative skills
4. Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified time frames
5. Organized, dependable and detail-oriented
6. Team player, quick learner and efficient
7. Able to work well under pressure
8. Qualified candidates should send their resume and portfolio to murni@ideas.org.my.
IDEAS' Social Policy unit is looking for an intern to join our team. The candidate must be available to start immediately and commit for a minimum of 3 months.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting with research activities
• Attending meetings with relevant stakeholders
• Assisting in planning and execution of events
• Assisting in the planning and execution of social media strategies
Requirements:
• Candidates who are currently in university are encouraged to apply. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, public policy, political sciences, economics or a related field
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent writing skills, particularly in English
• Good knowledge and strong interest of Malaysian current issues
• Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision
• Experience in communications-related work would be an advantage
To apply, please submit the following documents to vaisnavi@ideas.org.my:
1. Curriculum Vitae (including references) and cover letter
2. Transcripts and relevant certificates
3. Sample of written work (in English)
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting with research activities
• Attending meetings with relevant stakeholders
• Assisting in planning and execution of events
• Assisting in the planning and execution of social media strategies
Requirements:
• Candidates who are currently in university are encouraged to apply. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, public policy, political sciences, economics or a related field
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent writing skills, particularly in English
• Good knowledge and strong interest of Malaysian current issues
• Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision
• Experience in communications-related work would be an advantage
To apply, please submit the following documents to vaisnavi@ideas.org.my:
1. Curriculum Vitae (including references) and cover letter
2. Transcripts and relevant certificates
3. Sample of written work (in English)
IDEAS Webinar: The Treatment of Non-Citizens during Covid-19
Malaysia has been lauded as an example of a success story in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. While our public health authorities have received well-deserved praise for their handling of the crisis, there have also been concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable communities such as refugees, undocomented migrants and foreign workers. The Al-Jazeera documentary controversy and the subsequent response by the Malaysian government exposed a dilemma governments face in times of Covid - do we differentiate between citizens and no-citizens? How do we ensure inclusivity in our response to Covid-19 while also recognising that our public services are funded by Malaysian taxpayers? Join us in this webinar to hear our panellists thoughts on this issue. Register here now https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EvVBc7yvQJaDLak_jVLi2w
Our panellists are:
Lilliane Fan, International Director and Co-Founder, Geutanyoe Foundation
Dr Andika Abdul Wahab, Research Fellow, IKMAS-UKM
Malaysia has been lauded as an example of a success story in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. While our public health authorities have received well-deserved praise for their handling of the crisis, there have also been concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable communities such as refugees, undocomented migrants and foreign workers. The Al-Jazeera documentary controversy and the subsequent response by the Malaysian government exposed a dilemma governments face in times of Covid - do we differentiate between citizens and no-citizens? How do we ensure inclusivity in our response to Covid-19 while also recognising that our public services are funded by Malaysian taxpayers? Join us in this webinar to hear our panellists thoughts on this issue. Register here now https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EvVBc7yvQJaDLak_jVLi2w
Our panellists are:
Lilliane Fan, International Director and Co-Founder, Geutanyoe Foundation
Dr Andika Abdul Wahab, Research Fellow, IKMAS-UKM
Zoom Video
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: IDEAS Webinar: The Treatment of Non-Citizens during Covid-19. After registering, you…
Malaysia has been lauded as an example of a success story in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. While our public health authorities have received well-deserved praise for their handling of the crisis, there have also been concerns regarding the treatment of…