{
  "id": 529076,
  "title": "Anwar apologises for sitting out Tabung Haji RCI debate post-surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/anwar-apologises-for-sitting-out-tabung-haji-rci-debate-post-surgery-529076",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T02:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/11/anwar-apologises-for-sitting-out-tabung-haji-rci-debate-post-surgery"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued an apology on Wednesday for missing a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to debate the Tabung Haji royal commission of inquiry (RCI) report on the pilgrims’ fund. The surgery he had undergone the previous day for an abdominal hernia allowed him to miss the debate. Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah informed the public that the prime minister's condition was improving and he would continue with physiotherapy sessions.\n\nDespite his absence, Anwar expressed regret for not being present to debate the RCI report on Tabung Haji and hopes that the proceedings would proceed smoothly. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safeguarding of the trust and responsibilities of this Islamic institution. Anwar vowed to closely monitor the debate to fulfill his duties.\n\nPerikatan Nasional, the coalition led by Anwar, suggested that the special sitting should be postponed and reconvened at a later date to enable Anwar to recuperate fully. The secretary-general of the coalition, Takiyuddin Hassan, argued that given the public interest in the Tabung Haji issue and its significance, Anwar should personally table the report. Instead, the report is expected to be presented by Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan, who is likely to conclude the debate with Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.",
  "summary": "PM's senior press secretary says Anwar Ibrahim will closely follow the debate to safeguard the institution’s trust and responsibilities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Anwar apologises for sitting out Tabung Haji RCI debate post-surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/anwar-apologises-for-sitting-out-tabung-haji-rci-debate-post-surgery",
        "published": "2026-08-11T02:16:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}