Kuala lumpur: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has put forward a proposal for the Haj Affairs Committee to be granted statutory status under the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535) and be assigned defined responsibilities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RCI report, which was released yesterday, highlights that the Haj Affairs Committee was formed to evaluate and make decisions on matters related to haj operations. This establishment followed the dissolution of the Haj Advisory Council in 2018, which was a consequence of repealing the Tabung Haji Board Act 1969 (Act 8).

The report emphasizes that since managing haj is the primary function of the TH Board, it is deemed suitable for the Haj Affairs Committee to be incorporated under Act 535. The RCI suggests that the committee should provide advice to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) concerning policies and plans related to haj affairs. Additionally, the committee is proposed to deliberate on issues affecting the welfare of pilgrims and other haj-related operations referred to it.

Moreover, the committee is tasked with recommending enhancements to haj management, offering feedback to the TH Board's management regarding haj administration, and proposing improvements to services offered to pilgrims.

The report also outlines that the Chairman of the TH Board should preside over the Haj Affairs Committee. The committee's composition should include the Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Director-General of the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Haj (JAWHAR), representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, along with three members appointed by the Minister responsible for Religious Affairs.

Additionally, the Commission advises that standard provisions for quorum, meeting procedures, voting, chairmanship, vacancies, disqualification, and interest disclosure should be incorporated into Act 535 regarding the Haj Affairs Committee.

The report also mentions that members of the Haj Affairs Committee should receive honoraria, along with travel and subsistence allowances, as determined by the TH Board.

Communications Minister and MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced yesterday that the Cabinet had agreed to declassify the RCI report on TH, covering the period from 2014 to 2020, and release it to the public. The comprehensive 211-page RCI report on the investigation into TH's management and operations was published by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) last night.