PORT DICKSON: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji was not released three years ago because the government wanted to avoid undermining public confidence in the pilgrims’ fund board, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said publishing the report at the time could have triggered panic among depositors and could have led to mass withdrawal of funds that might have destabilised the fund board.
“Three years ago, we were not in a position to publish the report. Had we done so, the public could have lost confidence in Tabung Haji and withdrawn their savings.
“However, over the past three years, it has come under new management led by chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, who has an excellent track record.
“It is now back on strong footing, but the public still deserves to know the truth,” he said during the Semarak Kenegaraan programme.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister said the government was prepared to release the final RCI report on Tabung Haji, allowing the public to review the findings of the inquiry into the alleged sale of its strategic assets.
Anwar said the government’s firm stance against abuse of power and its emphasis on good governance were aimed at safeguarding institutions entrusted with the interests of the people.
He also highlighted Tabung Haji’s recovery, noting that the institution had recently been recognised with the Best Haj Management award for this year’s haj season.
On another matter, the Prime Minister said the cost of procuring the Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) was reduced by 15% through direct government-to-government (G2G) negotiations with Turkiye.
“I asked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whether, if we wanted to buy ships, we could have direct G2G negotiations to reduce the price by eliminating commissions to agents.
“Erdogan replied that it was a very good proposition, and we have since cut costs by about 15%,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the budget for the Defence Ministry rose by 35% to RM21.7bil under Budget 2026 compared to RM16.1bil under Budget 2022.
“This (increase) is to support efforts in safeguarding the country,” he said.
Anwar gave an assurance that the needs and well-being of army personnel were never sidelined.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces for their service in safeguarding the country.
“We must never forget the contributions of those who sacrificed themselves for the country.
“Our economy may be growing, but the reason why all of these achievements are possible is due to the contributions of our forces, including the army,” he said.
