MACC sets up task force to review Tabung Haji RCI findings

 The anti-graft agency says it will probe possible offences including corruption, abuse of power and money laundering.

MACC said its investigation division senior director Hafaz Nazar would lead the task force reviewing the findings of the RCI report on Tabung Haji.

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set up a special task force to review the findings of the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

MACC said the task force would be led by its investigation division senior director Hafaz Nazar and would examine possible legal issues arising from the report, including corruption, criminal breach of trust, document forgery, abuse of power and money laundering.

“MACC is committed to ensuring every issue raised in the report is properly examined.

“Should there be any breach of the law, firm action will be taken regardless of the position or background of the individuals involved,” it said in a statement.

The anti-graft agency also urged the public not to speculate about the ongoing review.

“The public should avoid making any speculation until the investigation is fully completed,” it said.

Separately, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said it would review the RCI report to determine if any prosecution action was warranted.

The AGC said it took the RCI’s findings on TH’s management, investments and alleged misconduct seriously, and would ensure enforcement agencies conducted comprehensive investigations.

“The AGC gives its assurance that any decision on prosecution, if necessary, will be made based on the law and admissible evidence, without being influenced by external pressure or public sentiment,” it said in a statement.

The RCI report on TH was declassified and released to the public yesterday, four years after the commission completed it in July 2022.

It found serious weaknesses in the pilgrim fund’s governance, investment and financial management between 2014 and 2020, and recommended a major overhaul, including tighter oversight, forensic audits of selected investments and limits on political involvement in the institution.

The report also stated that four police reports were filed and six matters referred to MACC over allegations including misrepresentation, concealment of information, corruption, abuse of power, forgery and manipulation of investment reports.

However, no one has been charged with any wrongdoing. - FMT