BUKIT MERTAJAM: Investigations will continue into the issues raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report on Lembaga Tabung Haji to ensure that the country does not suffer further losses, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
The Prime Minister said action must be taken if any wrongdoing is discovered, but the process must be based on evidence and the law.
“If no action is taken (in the Tabung Haji RCI investigation), the country will suffer losses, but when action is taken, I get criticised. I don’t understand.
"I said RM12bil was lost. How was it lost? When was it lost? Investigate who was responsible for the loss. If there is evidence, charge them in court and then leave it to the judge. That is how we govern and administer the country,” he said when launching the Madani Permatang Pauh Usahawan Bangkit Scheme (SUB) at Dewan Yayasan Aman, Penanti, here on Saturday (Aug 29).
Anwar stressed that the government would not punish anyone without due process, but would not compromise if there was strong evidence of misconduct.
On July 29, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) published a 211-page report on the investigation into Tabung Haji’s management and operations from 2014 to 2020.
The report contained various findings relating to governance and management weaknesses during the period, as well as 25 recommendations for improvement, 75 per cent of which had been implemented by the institution as of July 30.
Elaborating, Anwar said efforts to curb such issues must continue as Malaysia has substantial financial resources, but some benefits do not reach the people due to leakages in the management of government funds and allocations.
"What is the purpose of taking action? To prevent leakages. Who says Malaysia is poor? It is not (that the assistance is lacking), but it does not reach the grassroots because a lot of it leaks along the way," he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government remained committed to helping all segments of society through the implementation of various programmes and initiatives that directly address the needs of the people.
He added that government assistance should include efforts to help the people generate income, obtain education, and acquire skills and technological knowledge.
He also noted that the government had provided various forms of assistance, including through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga Nasional (Tekun Nasional), Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), but efforts to empower the people to become self-reliant must continue to be strengthened. – Bernama
