TAMPIN: Felda settlers are prepared to work with any candidate picked by the Prime Minister to lead the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), following the decision of its chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor to step down.

National Felda Settlers chief Sulong Jamil Mohamed Shariff said the group would accept anyone picked by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as this was his prerogative.

"We will work with anyone picked to fill the position, following the current chairman's decision to step down.

"But, it is also our hope that his successor is someone truly capable of running Felda, which is known globally today," he said when met at a Hari Raya do held at Kg Felda Sungai Kelamah near Gemas on Tuesday (June 25).

Megat Zaharuddin indicated his desire to step down from the post at the end of this month due to health reasons.

Dr Mahathir had earlier ton Tuesday (June 25) said the government was informed that he was unwell.

Megat Zaharuddin was appointed chairman on July 26 last year. The former chairman of Malayan Banking Bhd for more than seven years replaced Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, who stepped down on May 14 last year.

Sulong Jamil said he last spoke with Megat Zaharuddin over the phone on Monday evening.

"He advised us to continue Felda's agenda for the betterment of the settlers, as well as the agency," he added.