Former Tabung Haji chairman, treasury chief released as MACC probe continues

KUALA LUMPUR - A former Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman and former Treasury secretary-general have been released from MACC remand after a seven-day detention, according to a source. The two individuals, aged in their 60s, were freed today following the completion of MACC investigators' statements recording process. Their arrest began on August 27, as they were tasked with assisting in the probe into the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report.

The MACC launched its investigation on July 31, after the report's declassification. Prior to their release, a former TH chief executive officer and seven others, including four former senior TH management members, were detained by the anti-graft agency to aid in the probe. The others included a former shipping company CEO, a construction company director, and a former company director.

The RCI, which scrutinized TH's management, operations, and assets from 2014 to 2020, issued 25 key recommendations to enhance transparency, professionalism, and governance at the institution. One such recommendation was to prohibit active politicians from occupying positions on the TH board to avert political interference. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, had previously mandated authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matters highlighted in the RCI report.