PUTRAJAYA (Aug 18): Ongoing investigations into Lembaga Tabung Haji are not limited to the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He clarified that the probe will extend beyond the 2014-2020 timeframe examined by the commission.

"It's not a suggestion. All actions and studies undertaken now go beyond the RCI. The RCI serves as the main framework," Anwar told the press after attending the Budget 2027 Engagement Session held at the Ministry of Finance here on Tuesday.

"There is no restriction on investigating matters before and after that period. This is what the enforcement and investigative agencies are doing," he added.

During the special parliamentary sitting on the RCI report last week, Tampin member of Parliament (MP)(Barisan Nasional-Umno) Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa proposed a new inquiry covering 2021 to 2025, while Kinabatangan MP (BN-Umno) Datuk Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar called for a fresh probe to examine Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd’s asset recovery, disposals, cash flow, management costs and sukuk restructuring.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan-DAP), meanwhile, urged for a new RCI to investigate TH’s management and identify those responsible for the institution’s financial and management problems.

The 211-page RCI report, which examined Tabung Haji’s management and operations from 2014 to 2020, was completed in July 2022 and declassified and released to the public in July this year. 

Subsequently, the government referred the full RCI findings to multiple enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Inland Revenue Board, which launched active investigations into the alleged governance breaches and financial mismanagement uncovered at the fund.

Among the key findings of the report were accounting practices that resulted in the institution reporting a RM3.4 billion profit in 2017 when it should have recorded a net loss of RM1.4 billion had proper accounting standards been applied.

The RCI also highlighted weaknesses in investment decisions and governance, including concerns over the management of underperforming investments, conflicts of interest and the influence of political considerations in Tabung Haji’s decision-making.

These issues contributed to the deterioration of Tabung Haji’s financial position and raised concerns over the sustainability of its operations, it noted.

In conclusion, the commission recommended that governance and investment oversight at Tabung Haji be strengthened, financial and accounting practices be improved, and to restrict active politicians from serving on the board.

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