Wrong to draw conclusions on TH given RCI's limited scope, says BN's Zambry

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Barisan Nasional secretary-general, has cautioned against making broad judgments about the Lembaga Tabung Haji (Tabung Haji Trust Fund) based on the limited scope of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the fund. The RCI's investigation only covered the years 2014 to 2020, and issues or decisions made after this period should also be considered, according to Dr Zambry.

He emphasized that the RCI's role is to investigate matters of public interest and that its findings should be evaluated objectively, focusing on facts and evidence rather than being utilized as a tool for political criticism.

Zambry clarified that the BN's stance is consistent and clear: there is no attempt to hide anything from the public, particularly the 10 million Tabung Haji depositors. He reiterated that the RCI is a legal mechanism to investigate matters of public interest, and its conclusions should be examined without bias. During yesterday's parliamentary debate, it was confirmed that the RCI's focus is strictly the 2014-2020 period, suggesting that drawing conclusions about the entire history of Tabung Haji governance without examining subsequent periods would be inappropriate.

The BN leader supported the tabling and parliamentary debate of the RCI report and stated that BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also proposed expanding the scope of scrutiny if necessary for comprehensive transparency. Dr Zambry emphasized that the focus should now shift to institutional reforms, particularly addressing governance issues, concentration of power, separation of functions, and checks and balances, which are essential for strengthening the Tabung Haji institution.

He urged all parties to prioritize the interests of Tabung Haji depositors and to avoid reckless accusations, political judgments before legal proceedings are concluded, and narratives that could undermine depositor confidence without a solid factual basis.

The BN supports the improvements already implemented, such as the adoption of many RCI recommendations, and believes that institutional reforms must continue consistently. Dr Zambry stressed that the emphasis should be on reinforcing Tabung Haji's governance, ensuring all reform recommendations are implemented, and maintaining depositor confidence, rather than creating perceptions that any party is trying to conceal the truth.