TAMPIN: The Cabinet will decide on Wednesday whether to make public the royal commission of inquiry report on Tabung Haji, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said any action arising from the report must follow due legal processes without interference from any party.
“There is now some debate about Tabung Haji. I do not want to talk at length about it. Hopefully, at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, we will decide. There is a report. Let people read it.
“Those who are not guilty can defend themselves. If they are responsible, charge them. If they are convicted and sentenced to prison, then they go to prison. That is not my concern,” he said at the Semarak Kenegaraan programme at Dewan Garison Gemas, Kem Syed Sirajuddin today.
The RCI was established in 2021 to investigate Tabung Haji’s management, operations and asset-related issues between 2014 and 2020, following concerns over governance and the fund’s financial position.
The inquiry completed its report in July 2022, but Anwar had said the release of the report was delayed to allow Tabung Haji’s recovery and restructuring efforts to continue, as the government was concerned that publishing the findings earlier could affect public confidence and trigger withdrawals from the fund.
He said the situation had since changed, as Tabung Haji is now in a stronger position following reforms and improved management.
On a separate matter, Anwar said the country’s system clearly defines the roles of various institutions, with investigations, prosecutions and court decisions handled by the relevant authorities.
“Our system places investigations under investigative bodies. Bringing charges is the responsibility of the attorney-general.
“Sentencing is decided by judges. That is not the prime minister’s role,” he said, adding that a prime minister is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure such processes remain independent and carried out in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
He also warned against taking matters of trust lightly, saying any betrayal of public trust could eventually affect the country.
“I mention this because, in my view, a country cannot maintain peace if those entrusted with responsibility betray that trust,” he said.
