Datuk Razali Ibrahim today denied Opposition’s allegation that the reduction of homes prices for the Felda New Generation Homes project and that the announcement made during the Rompin by-election was a mere coincidence.

“We have discussed about this in the past, it isn’t about the election. A series of meetings have taken place with Felda Youth Secretariat and they had submitted their memorandum to Felda to propose the soon-to-be introduced prices,” said Razali during the launch ceremony of Felda’s Second Generation held in Keratong, Rompin.

Razali said, the government has been accustomed to face criticisms by various quarters particularly from the Opposition camp because of their displeasure.

“The Opposition slammed a photo of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak holding a baby citing it was choreographed. Najib went to have a meal with the settlers … the Opposition claimed it was merely a gimmick to garner voters’ votes,” he said.

The price reduction announcement was made because BN is concerned with the rise of Felda's second and third generations at the by-election this time around.

Najib in a statement yesterday said that he was instructed to reduce the prices for Felda’s Second Generation Housing homes particularly in the Rompin Parliamentary.

He said, the decision will be reviewed after taking into account the concerns faced by Felda second generation. Najib was also quoted as saying that he has instructed Felda director-general Datuk Hanapi Suhada to offer the homes at RM90,000 with a rent and purchase scheme offered to them.