RCI TH jadi ujian kematangan politik Umno, kata penganalisis

Analysts say Umno is facing a political maturity test as former Pemuda Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin suggests the party acknowledge its shortcomings in managing Tabung Haji (TH) following the release of the Suruhanjaya Siasatan Diraja (RCI) report. Khairy claimed Umno must admit its management errors regarding TH while supporting reforms in light of the RCI report's findings, according to Syaza Shukri, a political analyst from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia.

The 252-page RCI report, spanning TH's management and operations from 2014 to 2020, was released and made public last week. The report found that TH concealed its true financial position for years, reporting a profit of RM3.4 billion in 2017 when it should have recorded a loss of RM1.4 billion – a discrepancy of nearly RM4.8 billion.

However, Syaza doubts that Khairy's remarks will put significant pressure on Umno's leadership or change the party's core stance, as this is often considered a personal opinion, even though there is some openness from Umno President Zahid Hamidi towards the report. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, a political consultant from Global Asia Consulting, sees the RCI report as an opportunity for Umno to demonstrate maturity by acknowledging its shortcomings when in power.

However, he stresses that reforms cannot stop at Umno's admission, as the report also reveals systemic weaknesses in the management of a strategic national institution. According to him, while there is no evidence of political leaders embezzling funds from TH, the report uncovers investment failures, oversight failures, and a decision-making culture influenced by political interests.

"In modern governance, failure is measured not only by criminality but also by institutional shortcomings. The bigger question is why a multi-billion ringgit financial institution is still controlled by political logic rather than meritocracy," he said.