GUA MUSANG (Aug 9): Felcra chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub has strongly refuted allegations that he sold a Felcra factory to a non-Bumiputera company, declaring his readiness to be investigated over the matter.

He also challenged those making the accusations to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“Wallahi Wabillahi Watallahi [I swear before Almighty God] that, as of this Friday morning, not a single factory, nor even a screw from a factory, has been sold to any party,” he said. 

Ahmad Jazlan said this in his speech at a programme attended by Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, settlers from the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) and local residents in Kampung Renok Baru here on Friday.

The allegations were reportedly made by Bersatu Information Bureau Committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, widely known as Chegu Bard, and were reiterated during the Nenggiri state by-election campaign in Sungai Asap on Thursday.

Chegu Bard is alleged to have claimed that a Felcra-owned factory, allegedly situated on state government land, was being transferred to a non-Bumiputera company.

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad Jazlan, who is also Kelantan BN chairman, revealed that he had filed a police report about the allegation on Wednesday and had instructed his lawyer to initiate legal action against the individual responsible for the defamation.

“... this [sale of assets] has never happened, it has never landed on my desk, and I have no knowledge of this matter,” he said.

Ahmad Jazlan suggested that the allegations were an attempt to tarnish his reputation as Felcra chairman and as the BN operations director for the by-election.

“If these allegations are proven true, I will resign as Felcra chairman, or the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister can dismiss me from my position,” he declared.

The Nenggiri by-election, scheduled for Aug 17, will be a straight fight between BN candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, representing the unity government, and PAS candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who is contesting for Perikatan Nasional (PN).

It was called after Kelantan state assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat vacant on June 19 because its assemblyman, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, had ceased to be a Bersatu member on June 13. 

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