The Malaysian Cabinet has declassified the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), making it available to the public. This decision follows a series of consultations and deliberations aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability within the institution.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Cabinet had approved the release of the RCI report, which had been withheld for several years to prevent potential panic among depositors. He emphasized that the delay was necessary to allow TH to undergo reforms and stabilize its operations. "Three years ago, we were not in a position to publish the report. Had we done so, the public could have lost confidence in Tabung Haji and withdrawn their savings," Anwar stated.
The RCI was established in 2022 to investigate TH's management and operational issues from 2014 to 2020. The inquiry focused on allegations involving the sale of TH's strategic assets and the mismanagement of depositor funds. The findings are expected to shed light on these issues and inform future governance reforms.
The decision to release the report aligns with the government's commitment to transparency and justice. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil expressed support for the move, stating that it reflects the government's dedication to allowing depositors and the public to understand past events.
The RCI report is anticipated to validate concerns raised by former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli over a decade ago regarding TH's financial governance. Rafizi had previously highlighted issues such as negative reserves and losses from various investments, which led to the restructuring of TH in 2018.
The public release of the RCI report is expected to foster greater trust in TH's management and operations. It also underscores the government's commitment to upholding good governance and protecting institutions vital to the community.