Senator says RCI vital to clarify Tabung Haji losses, systemic flaws demand scrutiny

The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) is crucial in determining if investment losses at Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) were due to flaws in investment decision-making or other factors, said Senator Muhammad Hasbi Muda. While losses are normal in investments, the TH's issues with troubled investments warrant a comprehensive examination, said Hasbi. Half of the 14 investments proposed for forensic audits had 100% losses, and TH's liabilities exceeded assets between 2014 and 2018.

Hasbi stated that systemic misconduct or misappropriation at TH is difficult to determine through usual methods. The term "sakau", unauthorized taking of money for personal gain, could also include improperly obtained benefits or abuse of power. Barjoyai Bardai, an economist, noted weaknesses in TH's procedures, governance, and internal controls.

Investment valuations were carried out by TH's management and board, rather than independent professionals, leading to valuation issues since 2014. These issues were flagged by auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) but not reported.

Barjoyai suggested TH should reassess its investment management capabilities, possibly entrusting the function to other institutions like EPF or PNB. However, if TH continues managing investments, major changes are needed to ensure robust governance, procedures, and professional valuation methods. The 252-page RCI report was released on July 29 and debated in the Dewan Rakyat on August 11.