All races bear cost for TH mismanagement, says Anwar

Royal commission of inquiry's findings into Tabung Haji (TH) recommended a significant overhaul, encompassing tighter oversight, forensic audits for specific investments, and restrictions on political interference within the institution. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that TH's alleged financial mismanagement should not be perceived solely as a Muslim issue, as the repercussions were shared by all Malaysians.

Anwar, PKR president, clarified that those responsible for the alleged plunder bore the consequences, affecting Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, and Kadazans due to their greed and fraud.

Declassified findings from the royal commission last month proposed the aforementioned changes, leading to police investigations, actions by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Inland Revenue Board, and several high-profile arrests. Anwar refrained from punishing anyone before a thorough investigation, entrusting enforcement agencies and the judiciary with such responsibilities.

He urged individuals to act swiftly, without compromise, and without considering race, position, or party affiliations when determining guilt.

Anwar supported the government's decision to release the TH report, stating it was a Cabinet decision with no dissent from its members. However, he cautioned against avoiding the term "sakau," used to describe the alleged embezzlement at TH, if wrongdoing had indeed transpired. Some opposition MPs left Parliament during a special sitting to debate the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report due to fears of open debate, as Takiyuddin Hassan, opposition chief whip, had requested the sitting to be postponed due to Anwar's absence from surgery.