Zahid backs PAC move to probe Tabung Haji management since 2017, stresses facts over perception

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi supports a proposal for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to establish a special body to investigate the management of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) from 2017 to the present.

Ahmad Zahid said the investigation was important to clarify what had happened after 2017 based on facts and reality, while also helping to correct public perceptions regarding TH’s management and governance.

He said the proposal was informally put forward by several Members of Parliament who attended the “Reality and Perception: Don’t Politicise Tabung Haji” forum held in conjunction with the Musyawarah Nasional, which aimed to examine and clarify aspects of TH’s governance and management, particularly matters raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on TH covering the period from 2014 to 2020.

“In my view, this is a recommendation that should be followed so that there are no accusations of ‘embezzlement’, while the certificate issued by the National Audit Department (JAN), which clearly shows that a clean certificate was issued, indicates that the audit conducted on TH was based on its governing Act. The Tabung Haji Act 1995 states that the National Audit Department is responsible for auditing it.

“This is what the PAC should look into so that the facts can correct public perceptions and reflect the reality that the public wants to know,” he told reporters after attending the forum here today.

Asked whether the proposal to establish the special body would be brought to the Cabinet, Ahmad Zahid said this was unnecessary as the PAC has the appropriate mandate and responsibility to conduct the investigation.

“I do not think it needs to be brought to the Cabinet because this forum was for clarification, and in my view, what was informally proposed earlier by the MPs should be given priority.

“Especially for the PAC to establish an investigative body under the PAC’s own responsibility. This would be more appropriate than other approaches,” he said.

Asked about the proposal to establish a new RCI to investigate TH’s management from 2017 to the present, Ahmad Zahid said the PAC would be more suitable to conduct the investigation as it has clear jurisdiction to do so.

“I think the PAC is more suitable to conduct the investigation because it has the locus standi, as set out in the PAC’s own duties and responsibilities,” he said. — Bernama