RCI report finds weak governance and political interference in Tabung Haji’s management and profit distribution.
KUALA LUMPUR: Weak governance, including political interference in the management of Tabung Haji (TH) and the distribution of its profits, was among the key findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the pilgrim fund’s operations from 2014 to 2020.
The RCI report, released tonight, found that political involvement in TH’s management between 2014 and 2018 had fuelled public concern amid political rivalry.
According to the report, the situation allowed certain parties to exploit decisions made by TH as a subject of criticism, undermining the institution’s credibility.
“There were several TH decisions, such as the payment of profit distribution (hibah), the determination of haj charges, and Hajj Financial Support (HAFIS), that were driven by political elements,” the report said.
The report also found that the situation stemmed partly from weaknesses in the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535), which it said was no longer suited to current needs as it conferred broad powers to the Minister over haj operations, funds and investments.
