Penanti: The investigation into issues raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) will continue to ensure that the country does not suffer further losses,
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, emphasized that appropriate action must be taken if the investigation finds wrongdoing, but the process must be based on evidence and the law.
Anwar stated, "As in the Tabung Haji (RCI investigation), if no action is taken, the country will suffer losses, but when action is taken, I get criticised. I don't understand. I said RM12 billion was lost. How was it lost? When was it lost? Investigate who was responsible for the loss. If there is evidence, charge them in court and then leave it to the judge. That is how we govern and administer the country," during the launch of the MADANI Permatang Pauh Usahawan Bangkit Scheme (SUB) at Dewan Yayasan Aman.
He assured that the government would not punish anyone without due process but would not compromise if there was strong evidence of wrongdoing. On July 29, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) published the 211-page RCI Report on the investigation into TH's management and operations for the period from 2014 to 2020. The report contains various findings relating to weaknesses in the management of the institution during the period, as well as 25 recommendations for improvement, 75 percent of which had been implemented by TH as of July 30.
Anwar elaborated that efforts to curb leakages must continue as Malaysia has substantial financial resources, but some of the benefits do not reach the people due to leakages in the management of government funds and allocations. He said efforts to curb leakages were part of the government's responsibility to ensure that every allocation provided could benefit the people, particularly those in need.
He emphasized the government's commitment to helping all segments of society through the implementation of various programs and initiatives that directly address the needs of the people. He highlighted the importance of government assistance in helping people generate income, obtain education, and acquire skills and technological knowledge.
Anwar also mentioned that the government had provided various forms of assistance, including through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga Nasional (TEKUN Nasional), Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), but efforts to empower people to become self-reliant must continue to be strengthened.
Furthermore, Anwar stated that the government would continue to strengthen the role of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), particularly in bringing access to technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to rural areas. He noted that Malaysia is the only country where AI and technology are brought to the districts, with every state constituency having one NADI.
Earlier, Anwar presented certificates to six successful applicants under the Skim Usahawan Bangkit programme in Permatang Pauh.