Tabung Haji RCI: PAS questions delay, asks how many cases 'swept under the carpet'

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has questioned why the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) were only disclosed now, and why action against those alleged to have misappropriated funds is only being taken at this stage.

In a statement today, the Pasir Mas MP also dismissed the argument that earlier action was avoided out of concern that it would hurt investor confidence.

"Why was action not taken as soon as the government obtained these RCI findings?

"Supposedly if action were taken, investors would lose confidence. In fact it is the failure to act immediately that destroys investor confidence," he said.

Ahmad Fadhli said that if a case of such magnitude could be delayed, "we do not know how many more cases are being swept under the carpet by the Madani government today".

"That is what causes investors to lose confidence," he said.

Responding to Mujahid

He was commenting on an explanation by former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof, as reported by Malaysiakini today.

Mujahid, who is also Amanah deputy president, had said that those accused of "sakau" — siphoning — TH funds were in fact clearly identified in the RCI report.

"Ya Allah, you cheat Muslims' money, and that you don't call sakau. You cheat the accounts of Muslims, and that you don't call sakau," Mujahid said.

"And don't forget, the RCI also mentioned and urged, among its recommendations, action against whom? Against the cases that had been reported within Tabung Haji. That is sakau, because there was no monitoring.

"There was no accountability, with each one out to get their own share," he said, responding to those disputing the RCI findings made public on July 29.

PAS backs action but alleges agenda

Ahmad Fadhli said PAS supports the follow-up action taken, while claiming there was an agenda behind it.

"Now suddenly you want to be the champion. We support the action, but we also know it has an agenda.

"Go ahead and take action, but the people have already lost trust in you. Just wait for the fall of the Madani government in the coming general election," he said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was reported to have recorded a statement from the former chief financial officer (CFO) of a company owned by a statutory body for more than six hours, to assist investigations following the RCI report on TH.

The session was held at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, starting at 10.30am and ending at about 5pm.

According to an MACC source, only the former CFO attended, while the company's former chief executive officer did not turn up for health reasons.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said the session was the second day involving the former senior officer, after he was released the day before.