Kuala lumpur: The decision to table the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), which involved estimated losses of RM12.5 billion, in Parliament was made based on policy considerations and the national interest, rather than political motives or election considerations, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that the decision to make public the findings concerning financial mismanagement at the institution was collectively made by the Cabinet after taking into account TH's readiness.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TH chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain had personally attended a Cabinet meeting to explain the institution's financial position and propose solutions before the report was eventually tabled. Anwar said the tabling of the report had previously been postponed at TH management's request to allow the institution time to restructure its operations and formulate a resolution plan to restore its financial position.
The Prime Minister dismissed claims by certain quarters that the tabling of the TH RCI report was linked to the schedule of state elections or the next general election. He noted that given the consecutive nature of state elections, postponing the report for political reasons would be inappropriate, as the country needed firm decisions and action to restore the institution's integrity.
Anwar emphasized the impact of TH's losses as significant, involving funds intended to benefit millions of depositors, including prospective Haj pilgrims, farmers, fishermen, and the younger generation. He explained that the tabling of the RCI report in Parliament was a transparent step that would allow the matter to be debated openly, adding his willingness for any extended investigation.
He stated that he would not interfere in matters involving prosecution or sentencing, leaving such decisions entirely to law enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while case outcomes remained under the judiciary's jurisdiction. Anwar expressed understanding of the pain of oppression and would not allow any legal process under his administration to be used to persecute any party.
On public feedback, Anwar stated his openness to criticism to identify and address the government's shortcomings. He urged Malaysians to support efforts to combat corruption and divisiveness while leveraging the country's potential on the international stage. The RCI report, published on July 29, revealed several significant findings concerning the management and governance of the institution between 2014 and 2020. A special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat was held on August 11 to debate the report.