250 Melaka PKR members rally outside party congress, demand swift TH probe

On February 14th, approximately 250 members of the Malaysian political party PKR gathered outside the Melaka International Trade Centre in a show of support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The protesters, dressed in black and carrying banners with the phrases “Defend Tabung Haji” and “Keadilan,” repeatedly chanted for a rapid investigation into the financial institution Tabung Haji.

According to a participant named Nasir, these PKR members were from Melaka and had met with the prime minister, who had promised to thoroughly investigate the Tabung Haji matter. Another participant, Ashiq, emphasized the emotional significance of the case, stating that the issue is deeply personal for Malays and Muslims, as it involves their parents' money and future generations' haj pilgrimage funds.

He stressed that the royal commission of inquiry findings, declassified last month, called for significant reforms, such as enhanced oversight, forensic audits of select investments, and restrictions on political interference in the institution. These findings subsequently led to police investigations, actions by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and several high-profile arrests.