Kuala lumpur: The government would have faced criticism regardless of whether the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was released before or after the Negeri Sembilan state election, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar said today. She emphasized that the key issue was the public release of the report, which allows voters to examine and understand its findings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nurul Izzah asserted the importance of transparency in making the RCI report available to the public. She stressed that the release of the report is crucial to ensure that Tabung Haji continues to be safeguarded in the future, allowing every Muslim the opportunity to perform the haj. "Whether we released the RCI report or not, we would still have come under attack. What matters is the transparency and courage to make it public. Now, we move forward towards polling day," she told reporters.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) published the 211-page RCI report into TH's management and operations from 2014 to 2020. This publication is seen as a significant step towards transparency and accountability in the handling of the Tabung Haji funds.

Meanwhile, regarding the state election, Nurul Izzah remarked that despite predictions from political analysts, the final decision would ultimately be in the hands of the voters. She expressed her hope that voters would actively participate in the election and continue supporting Pakatan Harapan. "I appeal to them to give Tok Min (Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun) the opportunity to continue implementing his development agenda for Negeri Sembilan," she added.

A total of 867,151 ordinary voters are expected to cast their ballots on Saturday to elect representatives to the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly. PH is contesting all 36 seats, with Barisan Nasional (BN) fielding candidates in 25, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in 24, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in 11.

The election also features four Independent candidates and one candidate each from Barisan Jamaah Islamiah Semalaysia (Berjasa), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI), and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).