Minister dismisses Nafas board member
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu has dismissed Fairuz Bandar, a member of the National Farmers’ Organisation's (Nafas) board of directors.
This dismissal was communicated by Mohamad in a letter dated Oct 23 to general manager Muhammad Faris Arriffin.
The move came just a day after a media statement purportedly issued by board members announcing Faris’ “suspension” amid an investigation into alleged misuse of funds, which Nafas later denied.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu has dismissed Fairuz Bandar, a member of the National Farmers’ Organisation's (Nafas) board of directors.
This dismissal was communicated by Mohamad in a letter dated Oct 23 to general manager Muhammad Faris Arriffin.
The move came just a day after a media statement purportedly issued by board members announcing Faris’ “suspension” amid an investigation into alleged misuse of funds, which Nafas later denied.
According to a source at Nafas, Fairuz’s (above) dismissal was part of a “review of the board’s composition”. The source also pointed out that Mohamad has the power to appoint six members of the board of directors.
A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed the authenticity of the letter.
“Yes, it is true.
“Fairuz Bandar from Upko (United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation) will be replaced by Pangiran Lalung, also from Upko."
However, the spokesperson did not explain whether the replacement was related to internal tensions within the organisation.
Nafas has been embroiled in controversy since last week, starting with the alleged suspension of Faris, who is also the Federal Territories Amanah Youth chief.
Nafas’ corporate communications department has filed a police report denying the suspension allegations, while Faris has issued a legal letter demanding a retraction.
Losses on all fronts
Recently, board member Mohamad Zamir Ghazali sharply criticised Nafas, calling it a failure in many areas.
“Selling chickens is a loss. Raising chickens is a loss. Selling machinery is a loss. Building a college is a loss. Marketing agricultural products is a loss.
“Leasing buildings is a loss. Debts are piling up everywhere,” he said.
Nafas, headed by Mohamad, who is also Amanah president, consists of 14 state farmers’ organisations and 279 regional farmers’ organisations, which together represent over 900,000 members.
The organisation is involved in numerous business and investment activities, particularly in agriculture, and owns several companies.
