‘Mere politics’ behind calls for new Tabung Haji probes, says Puad

Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi dismissed calls for new investigations into Tabung Haji irregularities as mere politics. He stated that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report should not be politicised and that action must be taken against those responsible. This came in response to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's call for a new investigation by the Public Accounts Committee and Takiyuddin Hassan's demand for another RCI to examine Tabung Haji's affairs after the first report.

The declassified RCI report revealed a RM20 billion government bailout to cover losses due to poor investments, weak decision-making, misconduct of former directors, and suspicious approval processes. Four individuals, including a former chairman, have been charged, with a former minister expected to face charges as well. Puad described the RCI report as exemplary, highlighting its exposé of mismanagement, 75 recommendations, and the proposal for investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police.

He emphasized that "sakau" (looting or embezzlement of public funds) encompasses more than just embezzlement, including violations of the Tabung Haji Act, receiving excessive allowances, and distributing hibah at high rates despite the fund's financial strain. This response was directed towards Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who had questioned the claims of theft and the validity of high dividends to depositors and subsidies for pilgrims' costs.