Tabung Haji issue unlikely to push Umno to change, says analyst

Analysts suggest Umno should tackle concerns over Tabung Haji (TH) mismanagement, yet calls for accountability are unlikely to sway voters in the upcoming Melaka polls. According to Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia, Umno should address TH's management failures, but voters may not be influenced by such demands.

"At this point, Umno does not seem particularly concerned about presenting itself as a changed party, especially when support appears to be gradually returning," Syaza told FMT. While the gap between principles and actions could erode trust, Syaza does not anticipate the issue significantly impacting the Melaka state election or the 16th general election (GE16).

"The issue does not seem to feature prominently in political discussions at the moment. Unfortunately, it is treated as just one of the many scandals we have faced," she said. While holding individuals accountable might be sufficient politically, Syaza believes a comprehensive response requires examining systemic weaknesses and oversight failures.

The royal commission of inquiry's (RCI) report, released on July 29, highlighted governance weaknesses and political interference in TH's management and profit distribution. Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed disappointment over the matter, emphasizing the need for responsible financial management and accountability.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya stated that without polling data to determine the issue's impact, Umno still has a responsibility to explain weaknesses in appointments, oversight, and lack of institutional safeguards. He argued that acknowledging past governance weaknesses does not mean accepting collective guilt, and political responsibility must be distinguished from criminal liability.

Reform must be demonstrated through professional appointments, independent oversight, and transparent financial reporting, rather than simply declaring a change of party, Awang Azman said. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting suggested TH's mismanagement may not concern Malay voters as much as rising prices, as voting decisions are influenced by identity politics, party loyalty, and local interests.

The current government must demonstrate improvements through asset recovery, financial transparency, and action against those responsible, rather than merely blaming previous administrations, Sabri said.