Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari has accused PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang of using religious sentiment to divert attention from alleged governance and integrity failures at Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).
Zairil said Hadi’s reported description of the issue as an “attack on Islamic identity” appeared to be an attempt to shift focus away from questions surrounding the institution’s management.
“Using religious sentiment as a shield to defend weaknesses or wrongdoing not only confuses the public, but also diminishes the dignity of Islamic institutions,” he said in a statement today.
He also questioned Hadi’s silence after alleged wrongdoing at TH was highlighted in a Royal Commission of Inquiry report last month.
“It is hypocritical to remain silent when the crisis occurred, but to speak loudly when corrective action is taken,” Zairil said.
Zairil further criticised PAS and Perikatan Nasional MPs for allegedly walking out and boycotting a parliamentary motion concerning TH instead of debating the matter in Parliament.
He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s detention and remand of former TH leaders, including a former religious affairs minister, demonstrated that the issue was not driven by a “narrow political motive”, but required accountability.
“Tabung Haji is not merely a financial body. It carries the trust and hopes of millions of Muslims,” he said.
“Every ringgit in it comes from the hard work, sacrifices and years of savings of ordinary people who aspire to perform the haj.
“TH must be fully cleansed of any wrongdoing and political manipulation, while the people’s trust must be upheld through transparent, firm and accountable governance.”
