Kuala lumpur: The Cabinet has proposed that the review period for the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) be extended to include the period of transition following the institution's takeover by the new management. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this move aims to allow assessment of the recovery measures undertaken after the investigation period.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that the Cabinet has suggested extending the timeframe examined in the report, not only until 2020 but from 2014 to 2022 and from 2022 until the takeover by TH's new management and chairman. This extension seeks to evaluate whether the recovery efforts, including asset restructuring, asset liquidation, and other measures to strengthen TH, align with the recommendations made in the RCI Report on TH.
Ahmad Zahid shared these insights during a press conference following the closing ceremony of the Program Jelajah Pendidikan Tinggi dan TVET MARA Negeri Sembilan 2026. The event was also attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Majlis Amanah Rakyat chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. As the Rural and Regional Development Minister, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the Cabinet agreed for the RCI Report to be made public and tabled at a special Parliament sitting for debate.
He expressed the Cabinet's hope that the recovery measures would demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring TH depositors receive fair returns while also aiding in reducing the cost of performing the haj pilgrimage. Ahmad Zahid noted that the cost of performing the haj has increased, previously standing at RM9,980 per pilgrim but now rising due to higher flight costs, hotel accommodations, ground handling services, and other related expenses. He believed that future profits from dividends or bonuses under the new management could help mitigate the increasing haj costs.
Addressing concerns about the report's release potentially affecting depositors' confidence, Ahmad Zahid remarked that the report should have been made public about three years ago but was delayed over fears of potential deposit withdrawals from TH. He emphasized that TH is working towards strengthening its investment portfolio and cash flow position. The report, he insisted, is not meant to assign blame but provides recommendations that should not be politicized, especially with an important day for Negeri Sembilan approaching.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Cabinet had agreed to declassify and publicly release the RCI report on TH covering the period from 2014 to 2020. The MADANI Government spokesperson confirmed that the report would also be tabled and debated at a special Dewan Rakyat sitting soon.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed confidence that the Cabinet would agree to the proposal to make the RCI report on Tabung Haji public after it was brought before the Cabinet for consideration.