Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to attend the special Dewan Rakyat sitting to debate the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji (TH), saying his presence is necessary to directly address questions surrounding the report.
Mohd Syahir said the Opposition was ready to debate the findings but questioned the need to proceed with the sitting while Anwar was unable to attend.
He claimed the session was largely focused on ministerial explanations, with no motion, formal position or voting involved.
“We are ready. The Prime Minister is unable to attend. The Opposition has asked for the sitting to be postponed. If the Prime Minister is present, we can debate and ensure accountability,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
According to Mohd Syahir, the RCI report on Tabung Haji is an important issue that deserves proper parliamentary scrutiny, allowing those involved to provide explanations and take responsibility for matters raised in the report.
He also questioned the manner in which the Tabung Haji RCI report was made public, saying it differed from the usual process involving other RCI reports.
“RCI reports are usually tabled in Parliament for debate before being made public. However, the Tabung Haji RCI report was different, as it was made public earlier during the Negeri Sembilan state election before subsequently being tabled in Parliament,” he said.
The special Dewan Rakyat sitting on Tuesday was convened to debate the RCI report concerning the management and operations of the Tabung Haji Board between 2014 and 2020.
Mohd Syahir said the value of the parliamentary debate should ultimately be measured by whether those responsible can provide answers to the questions raised.
“There is no difference between debating outside or inside the House unless the Prime Minister is present to answer,” he said.
Anwar had earlier apologised for being unable to attend the special sitting due to health reasons, while saying he would closely follow the proceedings.
According to his Senior Press Secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s condition is improving and he will continue physiotherapy treatment under the supervision of his medical specialist team.
