5 Bank Negara warning letters on Tabung Haji to be referred to PM, cabinet

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has decided to refer five Bank Negara Malaysia warning letters and various other documents related to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji to the prime minister and cabinet. Dr Zulkifli Hasan, a minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), made this announcement in response to numerous MPs requesting the release of these documents to improve understanding of the issues uncovered by the RCI.

Among the documents sought are five warning letters sent by Bank Negara to Tabung Haji, the Roland Berger report, minutes of meetings on changes to impairment policies, and minutes related to hibah distributions.

Dr Zulkifli remarked that releasing all five Bank Negara warning letters, the Roland Berger report, the aforementioned minutes, and the other documents would allow Malaysians to grasp the evidence and concerns examined by the commission better. Earlier, Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, a member of the PN party, echoed these sentiments, urging the release of the RCI's exhibits and appendices to enhance public comprehension of the evidence and issues under scrutiny. Zulkifli acknowledged the proposal and promised to examine it further.

The RCI report highlighted weaknesses in Tabung Haji's governance and financial management, including issues surrounding its financial reporting and assessment of its financial position. Consequently, the government has taken measures to bolster Tabung Haji's governance and regulatory framework. Out of the 25 recommendations made by the RCI, 19 have been implemented, accounting for 75% of the recommendations, while the remaining six are in various stages of execution.

These include amendments to the Tabung Haji Act 1995, enhancing regulatory oversight, refining disciplinary measures, and reviewing policies related to deposits, Haj payments, and financial assistance.