KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Lembaga Tabung Haji has recommended establishing a dedicated department to manage depositors’ funds, with oversight by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).
The RCI said the move would allow Tabung Haji to retain its investment management functions rather than be placed under a separate subsidiary.
In the report, which was declassified on Wednesday (July 29), the RCI proposed that the Haj Fund be established as a dedicated department under Tabung Haji, provided for under the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535), and regulated by the SC to ensure stronger governance and oversight.
The report stated that the Haj Fund would manage and invest depositors’ funds to generate stable returns and must be registered or licensed under the SC.
The RCI also recommended that Tabung Haji’s investment functions be regulated by the Finance Minister and the SC, while the appointment of members of the Investment Panel overseeing the Haj Fund should be placed under the Finance Minister’s authority.
The Tabung Haji Board would appoint senior officers, including the chief investment officer, who would be supervised by the SC.
To avoid confusion, the RCI stressed that the board would not have the authority to direct investment decisions involving the Haj Fund.
As a department under Tabung Haji, the Haj Fund would be required to provide regular and systematic performance reports to the board, while the Audit Department and Audit Committee should be given access to relevant financial documents and information.
The RCI said the structure was necessary to enhance professionalism, particularly given Tabung Haji’s deposits, which currently stand at RM88bil and are expected to reach RM100bil within two years.
The RCI also recommended that the Haj Fund establish an experienced domestic and international investment team, while its international portfolio could be managed by external fund managers.
Tabung Haji was further advised to strengthen its portfolio management by setting a vision to become a leading fund management institution focused on achieving higher returns.
"Therefore, the Commission recommends that the Government take comprehensive measures to strengthen Tabung Haji’s business and investment model, including improving governance through professional management without political interference.
"This requires the commitment and support of all stakeholders to ensure Tabung Haji’s long-term sustainability,” the report said. – Bernama
