Syed Saddiq criticised the Opposition walkout from the Tabung Haji RCI debate, saying MPs should stay in Parliament to protect over 10 million depositors.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition’s decision to boycott the parliamentary debate on the Tabung Haji (TH) Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report has failed more than 10 million depositors who depend on the pilgrims’ fund, said Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
He said MPs should remain in Parliament to scrutinise the findings and push for solutions to protect depositors’ interests, instead of walking out in protest over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s absence.
“If there are facts, debate. If there is wrongdoing, expose it.
“It is very unfortunate that we, on the Opposition side, who are the loudest in championing the Malay-Muslim cause, have chosen to boycott the debate on the institution that is most important to the Malay-Muslim community,” he said during the special sitting today.
Syed Saddiq said the issue was not about Anwar or any political party, but about the rights and interests of TH’s more than 10 million depositors.
“We are not boycotting the Prime Minister. We are boycotting our duty to millions of Tabung Haji depositors,” he said.
He acknowledged that Anwar should respond to criticism surrounding the government’s handling of TH and its recovery plan when he returns to Parliament, but said the Prime Minister’s absence should not bring proceedings to a halt.
“Parliament is not a one-man show. The Prime Minister is unwell, but that does not mean the rest of us should stop doing our jobs,” he said.
Syed Saddiq also called for a multi-agency task force involving enforcement bodies to investigate troubled investments, saying the probe should also be expanded to Felda, FGV Holdings Bhd and the Eagle High plantation deal.
He said those found responsible for TH’s problems must be held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Be bold, be brave, and do not take action only when it involves an enemy or a friend.
“The issue is not about me or you, friends or enemies. It is about the rights of more than 10 million depositors and the rights of Muslims in Malaysia,” he said.
PAS led the Perikatan Nasional MPs in walking out of the Dewan Rakyat in protest against proceedings continuing despite Anwar’s absence, while Bersatu MPs aligned with former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remained in the chamber.
The TH RCI report was declassified and released to the public on July 29, about four years after the commission completed its inquiry in July 2022.
The report highlighted serious weaknesses in TH’s governance, investment and financial management, and recommended a major overhaul of the institution.
