Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed his support for a proposal by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to establish a special body tasked with investigating the management of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) from 2017 onwards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of such an investigation to clarify the events that have transpired since 2017 based on factual evidence. He believes this would help rectify public perceptions regarding TH's management and governance. The proposal was informally suggested by several Members of Parliament during the 'Reality and Perception: Don't Politicise Tabung Haji' forum held alongside the Musyawarah Nasional. The forum aimed to examine and clarify aspects of TH's governance and management, with particular focus on issues raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report covering the period from 2014 to 2020.

Ahmad Zahid pointed out that the National Audit Department (JAN) had issued a clean certificate for TH, indicating that the audit was conducted according to the Tabung Haji Act 1995. This act mandates the National Audit Department to audit TH. He further stated that the PAC should investigate the facts to correct public perceptions and reflect the public's need for transparency regarding TH's operations.

When asked about the necessity of bringing the proposal to the Cabinet, Ahmad Zahid responded that it was unnecessary. He emphasized that the PAC already has the mandate and responsibility to carry out the investigation. The forum's purpose was for clarification, and the informal proposal by the MPs should be prioritized, particularly for the PAC to establish an investigative body under its own responsibility.

Addressing the suggestion of forming a new RCI to investigate TH's management from 2017 to the present, Ahmad Zahid affirmed that the PAC would be more suitable to conduct the investigation due to its clear jurisdiction and established duties.