After Tabung Haji, Agong wants govt to look into Felda dealings - PM

The CSO Platform for Reform has demanded a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the shortcomings of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in light of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report. A coalition statement from the group, which comprises 73 civil society organisations (CSOs), argues that government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) should be run as institutions of public trust rather than political assets.

The coalition endorsed the government's decision to release the RCI report and hold a special parliamentary hearing to discuss its findings. However, it criticized the opposition's decision to boycott the session on Tuesday, arguing that the walkout undermined Parliament's role in scrutinising, holding accountable, and overseeing the government.

The RCI report on TH's management and operations between 2014 and 2020 was made public on July 29, detailing 25 recommendations for improvement. The CSO Platform highlighted that around RM13 billion in rescue and impairment expenses were ultimately covered through a government bailout involving Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd. The coalition emphasized that the lessons from TH must not be confined to TH alone.

GLCs and GLICs manage assets and resources with significant public interest, and they should be governed as institutions of public trust, not as political property, patronage networks, or tokens to be allocated to political allies. The group called for decisive action against any parties found accountable for mismanagement, negligence, or wrongdoing, following an independent investigation and in line with due process.

It stated that where responsibility is established, the names of the individuals involved, their positions, and the findings against them should be disclosed to the public. The CSO Platform also urged for all appointments to the boards and senior leadership of GLCs and GLICs to be made through a transparent, merit-based, and independent process, unhampered by political influence or patronage.

Additionally, it advocated for stronger safeguards, such as thorough, independent, and timely audits, with audit findings and corresponding follow-up actions being publicly accountable to prevent such failures from recurring.