Kuala lumpur: Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin has urged that the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) be used as a foundation for comprehensive reforms within the institution. He emphasized that the report must not be shelved, as it addresses critical issues of trust, integrity, and accountability concerning the savings of nearly 10 million Muslims, which cannot simply be categorized as typical management shortcomings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Fahmi supports amendments to strengthen the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535). Proposed changes include establishing criteria for leadership eligibility, restricting the appointment of active politicians to the TH Board, and implementing penalties for financial misreporting.
"TH is a trust maintained for Malaysian Muslims, not a tool for political maneuvering. Every finding must be evaluated based on facts, evidence, and the principles of justice," he asserted in his statement.
Ahmad Fahmi also welcomed ongoing investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), expressing hope for a thorough and transparent process, regardless of the parties involved.
He expressed regret over the opposition Members of Parliament walking out of the Dewan Rakyat and abstaining from the debate on the RCI report concerning TH. Ahmad Fahmi argued that Parliament is the appropriate venue for addressing and questioning any doubts regarding the RCI findings or the government's explanations.
"Effective checks and balances demand presence, debate, and a willingness to confront facts. True unity involves defending public institutions, upholding truth, and preventing repeated mistakes," he commented.
The RCI report, which examines TH's management and operations from 2014 to 2020, was discussed in the Dewan Rakyat during a special session. This session provided MPs an opportunity to scrutinize the 211-page report, which was made public on July 29 following a governmental decision.