Isa Samad is new Felda chairman

Former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad is the new Felda chairman, it was announced today. He replaces Tan Sri Dr Yusof Noor who has been at the helm since July 1, 2001.

It was only early in the day when Isa refused comment on his appointment. However, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office answered everything, that the Bagan Pinang state assemblyman will take charge beginning January 1, 2011 (here). Dr Yusof will be advisor to the minister in-charge of Felda.

I've known Isa for so many years, and those who knew him well will agree that Prime Minister has made the right selection.

Mohd Isa, 61, was the menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan for 22 years, from 1982 to 2004. He was also a minister of the federal territories and is a former vice-president of Umno.

He became the assemblyman of Bagan Pinang in the parliamentary constituency of Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, after winning a by-election on Oct 11 last year when he beat Zulkefly Mohamad Omar of PAS by a majority of 5,435 votes.

Among one of Umno prominent seniors, he was once slapped with a two-year suspension after found guilty of 'money politics' during the 2004 party election.