Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali - 2013

YM Raja Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community 2013

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Providing Land to the Landless, Jobs to the Jobless

As Deputy Chairman from April 1966 to his retirement as Group Chairman in June 2001, Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama Alias played a pivotal role in FELDA’s evolution into a fully integrated corporation spanning the entire oil palm/rubber industry.

At FELDA, Raja Alias crystallised then-Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein's vision: “to provide land to the landless and jobs for the jobless”. Under his dynamic leadership, FELDA evolved into a conglomerate, contributing to poverty eradication and rural development in Malaysia.

Raja Alias's strategic guidance and innovative approach were instrumental in establishing FELDA as a leading player in the palm oil industry and a catalyst for economic growth in rural areas.

Tun Abdul Razak visiting Jengka, Pahang, 3 February 1972

An early lesson in service

From an early age, Raja Alias was always mindful of his responsibilities. His father's roles as a Settlement Officer and the penghulu or mukim chief gave him exposure to the duties of a civil servant.

Instilled with values that he continues to uphold fervently, Raja Alias was taught to "work hard, lead an honest life, care for people, assist them when they need your help, and never betray their trust."

In 1958, Raja Alias graduated with Honours in Geography from the University of Malaya, Singapore. Joining the Malayan Civil Service that same year, he served at various levels before his assignment to the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) in 1966.

The Evolution of FELDA

Raja Alias and his team initiated a groundbreaking land reform system, transforming FELDA into a more human-oriented enterprise.

Acknowledging and empowering settlers' initiatives, he nurtured self-reliant communities. Through his innovation and planning skills, Raja Alias quietly organised a high-calibre team to manage the organisation’s affairs.

Raja Alias retired after leading the organisation for 35 years, leaving a solid foundation for FELDA's next mission. FELDA transformed into three entities: FELDA, FELDA Investment Cooperative, and FELDA Holdings Bhd. (FHB). This structure ensures financial benefits through annual profits from FHB, distributed as dividends via the FELDA Investment Cooperative.

He was able to demonstrate that even on some of Malaysia’s less fertile, lateritic soils, once indigent families can generate productive agriculture and contribute to the community and national well-being.

Seeking excellence in Malaysia’s development

Raja Alias, a transformative leader, received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1980 and was recognised by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak as an iconic "architect" and action-oriented "contractor".

Raja Alias became the first Asian President of the International Association of Seed Crushers in 1997, establishing Malaysia as a key player in the vegetable oil industry.

In 1998, he founded Yayasan FELDA, a charitable foundation aiming to elevate national standards in education, health, research & development, welfare, and cultural heritage.

Remaining actively involved in plantation development and community welfare, Raja Alias continues to contribute through public listed companies such as Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd. His distinguished career, characterised by selfless duty, leadership, and collaboration with the private sector, leaves a legacy that underscores a steadfast commitment to rural development and excellence in Malaysia's history.

Right: Raja Alias and wife, Hafsah Mohd Yusof, Penang, 16 January 1962

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

Other Recipients

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The Late Dr. Lim Boo Liat

Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community

Allahyarham Tan Sri Datuk Haji Arshad Ayub

Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya Awang