CHENNAH – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said investigations into alleged financial mismanagement involving Tabung Haji should be left to the relevant enforcement agencies instead of being turned into a political issue.
Speaking at the Minum Petang Bersama PMX programme in Simpang Durian on Wednesday (July 29), Anwar said those responsible should face legal action if sufficient evidence was found.
“I don’t want to accuse anyone. Let the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Bank Negara and the relevant authorities investigate.
“If there is evidence, prosecute them, take them to court and if they are guilty, let them go to prison,” he said during his speech.
Anwar said the Cabinet had earlier received a briefing from Tabung Haji chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain on the institution’s financial position.
He said the reported losses stemmed from investment decisions made over several years and were not related to the current administration.
According to Anwar, Bank Negara had raised concerns as early as 2014 over breaches involving Tabung Haji.
“The warning was given, but it was ignored. Eventually, losses occurred,” he said, stressing that investigations should proceed independently and without political interference, emphasising that the legal process must be allowed to take its course.
“It is not me who investigates, nor am I the one who decides guilt.
“The police investigate, the MACC investigates, the Attorney General prosecutes and the courts decide,” he said.
Anwar added that the government remained committed to strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions, including ensuring that any wrongdoing uncovered through investigations was dealt with in accordance with the law.