Civil society groups, PKR members demand action on TH RCI findings

KUALA LUMPUR: Civil society groups and PKR members have pressed the government for urgent and transparent action on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) findings regarding Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) operations from 2014 to 2020. They delivered two memos to the government, urging accountability, governance reform, and transparency.

A key demand is an independent forensic audit of 14 investments identified in the RCI report, scrutinizing approval processes, risk assessments, transactions, conflicts of interest, and responsible parties. The coalition also wants TH to amend the Tabung Haji Act to prevent active politicians from serving on its board, requiring appointments based on qualifications, expertise, integrity, and professional independence rather than political factors.

Furthermore, the groups seek an authoritative religious ruling on the zakat status of depositors' savings during the RCI's examination period, including the calculation method, required amount, actual amount paid, and responsible party. The second memo, addressed to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, calls for assessing the RCI findings through the lens of Islamic law and maqasid syariah, as TH manages millions of Muslims' savings for Haj.

It also advocates for a monitoring mechanism under the Religious Affairs portfolio to ensure TH's reform incorporates syariah and Islamic governance considerations. The memorandums were submitted during a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to discuss the RCI report. However, the session was disrupted when opposition MPs walked out after their request to postpone the sitting due to Anwar Ibrahim's absence was denied. Anwar later apologized for missing the sitting, stating he was recuperating under medical care.