Wawasan, Pas to skip Tabung Haji RCI debate after walkout

Wawasan and Pas have decided not to participate in the Dewan Rakyat debate on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report concerning the Tabung Haji (TH) following their walkout during Tuesday's special sitting. The opposition's walkout occurred after their request to postpone the special sitting due to the absence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is recuperating under medical supervision, was rejected.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin expressed concern over the lack of Anwar's presence to address allegations of wrongdoing in the RCI report, particularly those involving billions of ringgit in TH. He stated that without Anwar's response, it would be pointless to participate in the special sitting, as the RCI report was merely a ministerial briefing rather than a substantive motion for debate and decision.

The opposition could instead hold press conferences or raise the matter through parliamentary committees. Takiyuddin Hassan, PN chief whip, questioned the opposition's request to postpone the special sitting, arguing that the prime minister's absence was the reason for it. He also noted that the opposition had formally requested the Speaker to postpone the special sitting due to Anwar's absence, as per Standing Order 11(3).

The RCI into TH was first proposed in 2019 during the first Pakatan Harapan administration and completed in July 2022. The report was presented to the Cabinet in December 2022 and announced for public disclosure in July 2023. The opposition believes Anwar's presence is crucial as he had previously raised concerns over the issue.

Hamzah emphasized the opposition's stance on transparency and questioned the government's decision to hold a special sitting to discuss recommendations made by the RCI years ago, suggesting that the government should also address developments involving TH after 2020.