Don’t blame Umno, BN for Tabung Haji woes, says Reezal

Umno Supreme Council member Reezal Merican Naina Merican has cautioned against blaming the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and Barisan Nasional (BN) for the Tabung Haji (TH) controversy. He emphasized that the issue requires careful handling due to its significant implications, involving over 9.7 million depositors, 53% of whom have savings below RM1,300.

Reezal pointed out that former TH chairman Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim has expressed willingness to face investigations if required. The 252-page royal commission of inquiry (RCI) report, declassified last Wednesday, revealed that TH had concealed its financial state for years, reporting a RM3.4 billion profit in 2017 when it should have reported a RM1.4 billion net loss, a discrepancy of nearly RM4.8 billion.

Reezal stressed the need to hold accountable those responsible for the TH's mismanagement, stating that the RCI report clearly identifies parties needing to answer for their findings. He also rejected claims of corruption within Umno, noting that the party has taken action against leaders involved in wrongdoing, including former Selangor menteri besar Harun Idris, who is imprisoned.

Reezal warned that attributing blame to Umno and BN could undermine depositors' confidence and harm public perception, urging a measured response to avoid further losses.