Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has rejected attempts to hold Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) responsible for the Tabung Haji (TH) controversy, saying those accountable for the institution’s management issues should face scrutiny.
Reezal said it was unfair to link the matter directly to the party and coalition, stressing that responsibility should be placed on individuals involved in the alleged mismanagement.
He said former TH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim had also expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investigations if required.
“Abdul Azeez himself has said he is prepared to face investigations if required,” he said when met during a Jalur Gemilang distribution programme in his constituency today.
The statement came after the release of a 252-page Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report examining TH’s management and operations between 2014 and 2020.
The report highlighted several findings, including allegations that TH had not reflected its actual financial position, with the institution reporting a RM3.4 billion profit in 2017 when proper accounting standards indicated it should have recorded a RM1.4 billion net loss.
Reezal said the issue must be handled carefully as it involves 9.7 million TH depositors, with 53 per cent of them having savings of less than RM1,300.
He said the RCI report had identified parties who needed to provide explanations and be held accountable based on its findings.
Reezal also dismissed claims that Umno was a party that protected wrongdoing, saying action had previously been taken against leaders involved in misconduct, including former Selangor menteri besar Harun Idris.
He warned that broad accusations against Umno and BN could affect public confidence, particularly among TH depositors.
He said while necessary action must be taken over the findings, the matter should be handled responsibly and carefully to avoid creating further negative impact on all parties involved.
