Kuala lumpur: The transformation vision of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) from a syariah-compliant savings institution into an Islamic investment institution will first be referred to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. The minister said he would request TH's management to brief him on the matter before meeting Anwar.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na'im expressed his intention to seek advice from the Prime Minister and emphasized the importance of obtaining his views and guidance. He stated that as the Minister of Religious Affairs, he would personally convey the vision to the Prime Minister, highlighting Anwar's concern about TH's direction. Mohd Na'im made these comments during the 2024 Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) Excellent Service Award and 'Jasamu Dikenang' ceremony.
Mohd Na'im explained that the transformation vision aims to establish TH as a more dynamic Islamic investment institution, enhancing its role in safeguarding depositors' interests and contributing to the economic development of the ummah. The media reported that TH Group chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain expects the transformation to fundamentally change TH's business model, allowing it to offer more sophisticated and investment-oriented financial products.
The minister acknowledged Abdul Rashid's aspirations and his understanding of the institution's direction. He noted TH's excellence in haj management, having received the 'Labbaitum' award from the Saudi Arabian government for four consecutive years. However, he stressed the need to reinforce TH's founding principles and policies in investments and savings to ensure the institution's strength.
Mohd Na'im emphasized that TH's management and Board of Directors must ensure the interests of depositors and the institution's sustainability, adhering to established guidelines. He stated that this principle is essential for the chairman, TH's managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad, and the entire board of directors.