Desakan siasatan baharu Tabung Haji hanya ‘mainan politik’, kata Puad

Former Umno Chief Minister Puad Zarkashi has dismissed claims that a fresh investigation into the Tabung Haji (TH) is merely a political stunt to undermine the authority of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into TH. In a forum discussing the RCI's report on TH held in Johor Bahru, Puad emphasized the need for a comprehensive action against all culprits involved in the alleged irregularities.

He urged the Umno Youth Council (PAC) to conduct a renewed investigation as requested by Umno President Zahid Hamidi. Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional Senior Deputy Chief Takiyuddin Hassan called for another RCI to be established for monitoring TH's management over the subsequent period. The RCI report, unveiled in July, revealed the government had injected almost RM20 billion to cover losses caused by investment failures, decision-making errors, and dubious appointments, as well as dubious approval processes.

Four individuals, including a former chairperson, and a former minister are suspected of wrongdoing. Puad also suggested the RCI is doing a good job since it has identified fraudulent management, a 75% increase in complaints, and recommendations for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police to open investigation files.

He stressed that investigating fraud is not limited to embezzling funds but also includes violating the Tabung Haji Act. Puad also urged anyone not to narrow the definition of "fraud" as it also includes breaching the Tabung Haji Act, overstating liabilities compared to assets, and giving large dividends when the company's equity is higher.