Kuala lumpur: The company appointed for Lembaga Tabung Haji's (TH) branding exercise is a consortium of four local firms, selected based on expertise and capabilities aligned with the project's requirements. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stated that the consortium comprises professionals of various races, and the appointment was approved through TH's procurement processes and governance, overseen by its Board of Directors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, TH has conducted brand reviews three times since its inception in 1963, specifically in 1969, 1995, and 2009. The organization consistently upholds the highest standards of corporate governance, complying with all procurement policies and procedures. TH prioritizes Bumiputera companies under its procurement policy, with 81 percent of last year's appointed vendors being Bumiputera firms, accounting for 70 percent of TH's total expenditure.

For the branding project, Mohd Na'im confirmed that the consultancy cost is RM5.9 million over three years, countering allegations of a RM20 million expenditure. Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) faced suspension from Dewan Rakyat for two days following non-compliance with Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng's instructions. Ahmad Marzuk's repeated interjections during Mohd Na'im's clarification on the involvement of non-Bumiputera firms disrupted the session, leading to his suspension after failing to heed initial warnings.

Lau initially requested Ahmad Marzuk to leave the chamber for 30 minutes. However, continuing his provocation resulted in an extended suspension. 'I had given you 30 minutes to leave and return afterwards, but Yang Berhormat continued speaking without permission. Would you prefer two days (out of the chamber)? Very well, two days it is,' she stated.