Tabung Haji RCI: Government focuses on implementing reform recommendations

The Malaysian government is prioritizing follow-up actions on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report regarding Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH). Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan stated that the administration aims to ensure all recommendations are implemented firmly to protect the assets and trust of millions of Muslim depositors.

The RCI report, which was released to the public on July 29, detailed governance, financial reporting, and investment issues occurring between 2014 and 2020. While the government reports that over 75% of the 25 recommendations have been implemented, political leaders have debated whether a new RCI is necessary to re-examine the institution.

In response to the findings, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has unanimously agreed to begin proceedings to investigate TH's governance, finances, and investments. PAC Chair Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin emphasized that the goal is to monitor the progress of the RCI's recommendations rather than repeating the original investigation.

Former Auditor-General Tan Sri Dr Madinah Mohamad noted that her previous audits did not find direct evidence of theft within TH, though she expressed disappointment at not being called to testify during the RCI proceedings. Meanwhile, some analysts have cautioned against calls for a new RCI, suggesting focus should remain on improving administration rather than political maneuvering.