No need for fresh RCI on Tabung Haji, says economist

 Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff says no serious financial misconduct was reported over the past five years.

Several MPs from BN and PH called for a fresh RCI into the management and operations of Tabung Haji, saying the previous investigation only covered the period of 2014 to 2020.

PETALING JAYA:

An economist has poured cold water on a proposal for a fresh royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the management and operations of Tabung Haji (TH) after 2020, saying no serious financial misconduct was reported over the past five years.

Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff.

Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff of Putra Business School said the previous RCI was established after the government at the time found serious financial issues at TH.

“However, since 2021, there have been no reports of financial misconduct involving TH.

“Therefore, I see no need for a new RCI, which I believe has been proposed purely for political interests,” he told FMT.

He said the impact of establishing a new RCI, if pursued, could only be assessed after the investigation report is tabled, as its findings cannot be predicted.

On Tuesday, Tampin MP Isam Isa of Barisan Nasional (BN), while debating the TH RCI report in the Dewan Rakyat, proposed an investigation covering the period from 2021 to 2025, as the previous RCI only covered 2014 to 2020.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer of Pakatan Harapan (PH) also called for a fresh investigation to identify those responsible for the institution’s financial and management problems.

Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid.

Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid of Universiti Kuala Lumpur said TH’s management after 2020 should be reviewed given several major changes that took place during the period.

He said TH went through three key phases after 2020: restructuring, the transfer of non-performing assets to Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd, and the implementation of a new business model.

“The call for a new RCI reflects the public’s demand for continued accountability, rather than a denial of the reforms that have already been carried out,” he said.

He also said that the previous RCI should not be seen as a failure simply because there were calls for another investigation, and that these should instead be viewed as a continuation of efforts to ensure that TH’s governance remains under scrutiny.

Mazlan Ali.

Political analyst Mazlan Ali said the proposal for a fresh RCI could test the Madani government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as the proposed investigation period would also cover the current administration.

He said this was more significant given that the calls came from BN and PH lawmakers, and that both coalitions are part of the unity government.

“Is the government prepared to establish an RCI on TH for the period after 2020, since this involves the current government? If it is considered, the government will be seen as transparent.

“If not, it will appear that there is a problem with its commitment, and this will become a test for it,” he said. - FMT