Taib Andak shaped Malaysia’s rural Development Agency
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In 1958, Taib Andak became chairman of Felda, a Malaysian government agency created in 1956 to develop rural land and provide opportunities for settlers.
During his 13 years leading the agency, Felda established over 100 land development schemes throughout the country. The Felda Taib Andak scheme in Kulai, Johor, Malaysia’s first palm oil settlement, was named in his honour. Taib was known for his integrity and dedication.
His daughter, Kalsom Taib, recalled he refused gifts from those seeking favour, upholding a strong moral code. He built a career in public service, rural development, and the corporate sector, also serving as chairman of Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and on the boards of Sime Darby and Federal Flour Mills. Kalsom accompanied her father on trips to oversee Felda land developments, often navigating challenging roads as he frequently drove himself.
She described him as a man who instilled strong values in his children, encouraging them to speak up against injustice and appreciate what they had. He worked closely with then-Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein to create jobs and provide land for those in need, and Kalsom observed that Felda’s opportunities allowed many settlers’ children to attend university and build successful careers.
Though proud of his father’s legacy, Kalsom expressed his likely disappointment with recent controversies surrounding Felda, believing the agency has lost its former prominence. He valued leadership by example and opposed political appointments within Felda, fearing they would harm the agency's performance.
