Kuala lumpur: The government is set to expedite the implementation of the remaining 25 percent of the recommendations by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), as announced by Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). The move aims to align with current realities and other relevant considerations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli emphasized the government's willingness to introduce necessary changes, viewing the RCI recommendations as a pathway to fortify the institution further. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to bolster TH, expressing a commitment to ensure that the cherished institution continues to advance. Speaking at the Muzakarah Muamalat Kewangan Islam (MMKI), Zulkifli revealed that 75 percent of the 25 recommendations had already been implemented, positioning TH on a positive trajectory in managing haj deposits and operations. This progress contributed to TH receiving the Diamond Award for the world's best haj management during the 1447H/2026M haj season.
Addressing the recommendation to restructure TH's governance, Zulkifli expressed openness to considering proposals such as separating financial, fund, and investment management responsibilities under the Finance Minister. One key suggestion from the RCI report, published by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), involves limiting the Religious Affairs Minister's authority to haj management. The 211-page report, which reviews TH's management and operational issues from 2014 to 2020, includes various recommendations to enhance TH's operations.
On the topic of MMKI, Zulkifli underscored its significance for maintaining Malaysia's position among the leading countries in the Islamic Economy Index. The platform gathers financial experts, academics, and industry practitioners to discuss current issues and evaluate global challenges and developments in the Islamic finance sector. Initiated by Co-opbank Pertama (CBP), MMKI serves as a reference platform for industry players in Islamic banking and finance. The muzakarah facilitates discussions on contemporary issues and global developments, enabling experts to share insights and data to help Islamic banking practitioners and finance industry players, including CBP, develop optimal products, instruments, and solutions for the community.