KUALA LUMPUR (July 15): An explanation by former religious affairs minister Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof (PH-Parit Buntar) in the Dewan Rakyat today about the restructuring of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) drew a furious response from its former chairman, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Rahim (BN-Baling).

Mujahid likened TH's condition to "a cancer", saying this was not his diagnosis but the findings of the forensic audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young (EY), as well as the National Audit Department (NAD) and Bank Negara Malaysia.

"It was found that the level of assets were lower than liabilities since 2014. Under the TH Act, hibah cannot be distributed if assets are lower than liabilities," Mujahid said during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address.

This caused Azeez to stand up and interject with: "This is why we asked for an RCI (Royal Commission of Inquiry) into this." He further claimed Mujahid was making baseless accusations.

"I am not making this up. I am not accusing anyone, I'm just reading out the report. This is based on the forensic audit…" Mujahid said, before again being interrupted by Azeez.

"As the chairman at the time, I also have information!" Azeez shouted in return.

"When I took over, TH's assets stood at RM48.2 billion! In 2017, it rose to RM74.7 billion! I have the facts from when I was a chairman!" he added, before his microphone was muted by Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

"You will have your time [to speak]," said Mohd Rashid.

This happened several times throughout the debate, while Mujahid was explaining the findings of the audit on TH.

Azeez kept insisting that the former minister was making baseless accusations and said Mujahid was making statements that will confuse the Dewan Rakyat.

Mujahid also brought up the point about impairments not being done properly, when he was again interrupted by Azeez.

"Are you saying that NAD lied? Why did NAD approve the hibah payments? Why? We cannot pay hibah unless NAD and Parliament approves!" he said.

"I want you to answer one question! Did we steal money? Was TH's funds stolen by the chairman?" Azeez said, before again being muted by the deputy speaker.

"Baling. You will have your time! Baling! Is it not clear what I said!? This is your last warning!" warned Mohd Rashid.

Mujahid then wrapped up his speech by saying that the restructuring was successful, with Azeez looking visibly dissatisfied.

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