Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Maslan said today certain quarters are inciting settlers to sue the land development agency, with the recent court verdict being used as a reference.

"I would like to state that the suit by Felda Kemahang 3 settlers should not be made a reference case," he told reporters after attending the 50th anniversary of Felda Tun Ghafar Machap in Bukit Bulat in Alor Gajah last night.

On Aug 26, the Federal Court dismissed Felda's application to review the apex court's decision on Jan 19 denying Felda the leave to appeal against the Kota Bharu High Court's decision ordering the agency to pay damages and interest to 354 Felda Kemahang 3 settlers who sued the agency in 2002 for manipulating palm oil grading.

On Jan 13, 2008, the Kota Bharu High Court ordered to the agency to pay RM7.8 million plus interest to the settlers after its counsel failed to turn up for the hearing of the suit, and decided in their favour after accepting the evidence of three witnesses.

Following the Federal Court's ruling, Felda had to pay a total of RM11 million including in accumulated interest.

He also said that Felda would call all its managers nationwide for a special session to explain issues in connection with the court case.

- Bernama