AMK Calls For Comprehensive, Transparent Probe Into Tabung Haji RCI Findings

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Keadilan Youth Wing (AMK) has called for a comprehensive, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

AMK vice-chief Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the call was in line with the decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for enforcement agencies to track down those responsible “to the ends of the earth” to safeguard the integrity of the Muslim institution.

The Sungai Petani Member of Parliament said that apart from the RCI's finding that allegations of TH assets being sold to non-Muslims were baseless, the investigation and subsequent action should focus on three key areas.

“These include weaknesses in governance and political interference, shortcomings in financial reporting and loss recognition, as well as the distribution of hibah (profit distribution) that did not reflect the institution's actual financial position.

“The RCI noted the involvement of politicians in senior positions at TH and the influence of political considerations on key decisions. In the 2017 financial reporting, for example, TH reported a profit of about RM3.4 billion, whereas its actual position showed a net loss of RM1.4 billion after adjustments,” he said in a statement today.

He said the disparity had contributed to decisions to distribute hibah at high rates despite TH's strained financial position, ultimately weakening the institution's reserves.

In light of the findings, AMK urged the Special Enforcement Task Force, comprising the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to conduct an in-depth forensic audit to trace the flow of funds and bring those responsible for any breach of trust to justice.

Taufiq also called for the special Dewan Rakyat sitting on Aug 11 to provide a platform for a comprehensive, firm, and transparent debate on the alleged mismanagement.

“Those who have betrayed and damaged this institution belonging to the Muslim community can no longer hide behind their positions or political influence, regardless of which party they belong to.

“What happened to TH is not merely a case of ordinary financial irregularities, but a betrayal of the trust placed in it by the Muslim community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA