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

Puad Zarkashi, a former member of Umno's Highest Working Committee, denounced the new investigation into Tabung Haji (TH) as mere political theater aimed at discrediting the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI). He urged for total action against all culprits involved, during a forum discussing the RCI report on TH in Johor Bahru. The statement came in response to President Umno's call for a fresh investigation by the Anti-Corruption and Financial Accountability Committee (PAC).

Setiausaha Agung Perikatan Nasional (PN) Takiyuddin Hassan also urged for another RCI to be established to investigate TH's management over time, following the first report. The RCI report, released in July, showed the government depositing almost RM20 billion to cover losses caused by investment inadequacies, decisions, and suspicious appointment processes.

Four people, including a former chairman, are accused, while a former minister is suspected of potential charges. Puad's criticism implies that the RCI is the best option due to the evidence of mismanagement, 75 improvements, and provisions for the Royal Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police to open investigations. He emphasized that corruption is not limited to stealing funds; violating Tabung Haji's act is also corruption.

Misusing the act is also corruption. He also urged anyone not to narrow down the meaning of corruption. Corruption is not just about stealing money; violating the Tabung Haji Act also constitutes corruption. Kindly note that excessive assets exceeding liabilities also constitute corruption, he added. Earlier, Umno Deputy Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh challenged those accusing TH of being embezzled or corrupted for not presenting evidence, as the term "corruption" is not in the RCI report.

He also questioned whether the high dividends given to depositors and subsidies to cover Hajj expenses could be considered corruption.