Zairil accuses Hadi of using religious sentiment to deflect Tabung Haji scrutiny

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 3 — Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari today accused PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang of using religious sentiment to divert attention from alleged governance and integrity failures at Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

Zairil said Hadi’s alleged description of the issue as an “attack on Islamic identity” was an attempt to deflect scrutiny from the institution’s management.

“Using religious sentiment as a shield to defend weaknesses or wrongdoing not only confuses the public, but also diminishes the dignity of Islamic institutions,” he said in a statement today.

He also questioned Hadi’s silence when alleged wrongdoing at TH was disclosed through the Royal Commission of Inquiry report last month.

“It is hypocritical to remain silent when the crisis occurred, but to speak loudly when corrective action is taken,” Zairil said.

He further criticised PAS and Perikatan Nasional MPs for allegedly walking out and boycotting a parliamentary motion related to TH instead of debating the matter.

Zairil said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s detention and remand of former TH leaders, including a former religious affairs minister, showed that the matter was not a “narrow political motive” but a case requiring accountability.

“Tabung Haji is not merely a financial body. It carries the trust and hopes of millions of Muslims,” he said.

“Every ringgit in it comes from the hard work, sacrifices and years of savings of ordinary people who aspire to perform the haj.

“TH must be fully cleansed of any wrongdoing and political manipulation, while the people’s trust must be upheld through transparent, firm and accountable governance.”