KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) should mark the end of the institution’s dark chapter in management and the beginning of a more transparent and integrity-driven TH that truly serves the interests of the Muslim community, said Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
The Finance Minister’s political secretary said in a Facebook post today that the RCI report was a significant milestone for the country as it exposed the reality of misappropriation involving an institution entrusted with safeguarding the interests of Muslims and which had been allegedly plundered by certain groups.
He said the public had the right to know the truth because every ringgit deposited with TH represented the hard-earned savings of ordinary Malaysians striving to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam by performing the haj.
“It must be stressed that every ringgit deposited with the institution is not surplus money. Rather, it comes from tapping rubber, working in padi fields and orchards, driving taxis, running small businesses and countless other forms of hard labour by ordinary people, all with one great aspiration — to become guests of Allah.
“Therefore, when such a great trust is handled negligently, what is betrayed is not merely the reputation of an institution, but the hopes and prayers of millions of Muslims who have patiently saved for years,” he said.
Muhammad Kamil said now was not the time to conceal weaknesses, defend the image of any previous administration, or protect any individual or group involved.
He said the MADANI Government had chosen to reveal the truth despite knowing that some parties would have preferred for the dark chapter to remain hidden and be forgotten by the public.
“But we must have the courage to admit that mistakes and lapses have occurred. Therefore, our task now is to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“May this RCI report mark the end of that dark chapter and the beginning of a Tabung Haji institution that is more transparent, upholds integrity, and is truly centred on the interests of the Muslim community,” he said.
