Make public full report on Tabung Haji RCI reforms, recovery efforts, says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, chairman of the Government Backbenchers Club and MP for Sekijang, has called for the full report on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommendations on the Tabung Haji (TH) to be made public, as well as a report on efforts to recover the institution's losses. The RCI, established in 2021, presented its 211-page report on August 30, detailing 25 recommendations for improving TH's management and operational weaknesses between 2014 and 2020. As of July 30, 2023, TH has implemented 75% of the recommendations.

Zaliha believes that disclosing the status of the RCI recommendations is crucial to restoring depositors' confidence in the institution, which plays a significant role in managing savings for the haj pilgrimage. She proposed presenting the implementation status with a timeline for the remaining recommendations. Additionally, she urged the government to disclose a report on the recovery of TH's losses, detailing what has been done, is being done, and will be done to address the issues.

The RCI report highlighted that political pressure before a general election was a key factor behind TH's financial crisis. Zaliha pointed out that the former TH chairman, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, had played a significant role in managing TH's investments, including holding positions in several subsidiaries and related companies. She called for clarification on the extent of his involvement and confirmation of allegations that cash linked to him reached RM170 million at one point.

Zaliha emphasized the importance of examining TH's leadership at the time, particularly Abdul Azeez's role, in the institution's current challenges.