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ALOR SETAR - Umno must be brave enough to clear up the questions arising from the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report if it genuinely wants a fresh mandate from the people at the 16th General Election (GE16).
Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the proposal for GE16 to be held earlier should not be used as a "curtain" to shut down questions related to the Tabung Haji RCI that still need answers.
He said he agrees that Malaysians should eventually be given the chance to decide their political mandate through an election, but matters involving trust and Tabung Haji depositors' savings cannot be set aside for political reasons.
"If Umno genuinely wants a fresh mandate from the people, then Umno must also be brave enough to clear its name of any questions arising from the Tabung Haji RCI report.
"This is not about attacking Umno. This is about political integrity and trust owed to depositors," he said in a statement on Friday.
On Thursday, media reported that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) had taken the position that GE16 would be better held earlier, before the Parliament's term, which is due to end at the end of next year, draws to a close.
BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move would allow the federal government to reclaim its mandate to govern from the people.
Elaborating, Mahfuz said Tabung Haji does not belong to any political party but instead involves the money, savings and future of millions of depositors.
He therefore called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Attorney General's Chambers and the courts to act within their respective jurisdictions on matters with a legal basis arising from the RCI.
He said investigations, prosecution decisions and legal proceedings need to be carried out swiftly, transparently and without favouritism.
"Do not delay it. Do not shield it. Do not politicise it. If there is wrongdoing, charge it. If there is insufficient evidence, explain it. If someone is innocent, clear their name. That is justice," he said.
Mahfuz said Malaysians, particularly Tabung Haji depositors, have a right to know developments related to the questions arising from the RCI report.
He said Tabung Haji depositors are also voters who have the right to judge those entrusted with safeguarding their savings.
"If you want a fresh mandate from voters, why fear voters knowing the truth about the old one.
"If you are truly innocent, face it and clear your name. If there is wrongdoing, let the courts decide. But do not expect time and an election to bury the RCI questions," he said.
He stressed that a general election determines who governs, while the courts determine whether someone is guilty or not.
