Don't politicize Tabung Haji RCI report during Negeri Sembilan polls, urges DPM

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report not to be politicized during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign. Speaking at a military family carnival, Zahid, who is also UMNO President, emphasized that the report should be treated professionally to identify solutions rather than stir polemics that could undermine depositor confidence in the institution.

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I support the Prime Minister's intention to present the investigation's results. I hope this issue is not politicized during this election period and any audit reports and investigation reports should aim at finding solutions, not worsening the situation. Depositor confidence in Tabung Haji is increasing and should not be damaged solely because of misinterpretations of the RCI report.

Zahid noted that depositor confidence in Tabung Haji has been increasing and should not be damaged by inaccurate interpretations of the RCI findings. He supported the Prime Minister's intention to present the investigation's results, reiterating his hope that the issue would not become a political tool during the election period. He stated that audit and investigation reports should aim for resolution, not exacerbate the situation.

Addressing concerns about individuals implicated in the RCI report potentially being immune from action, Ahmad Zahid asserted that no one is above the law. He explained that as a Royal Commission of Inquiry, its findings must be transparently disclosed before any further legal action is taken. If abuses of power, misconduct, or other improper practices are found, there are established processes for police reports and criminal investigations.

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There is no immunity because the RCI is a Royal Commission of Inquiry that conducts investigations, and the findings from that investigation and study need to be known transparently. After that, if there is any abuse of power, misconduct, breach of trust, or other improper practices, there are processes to make police reports and conduct investigations from criminal, commercial crime, and other legal aspects.

Furthermore, Zahid, as the Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, expressed confidence that the RCI report's presentation during the campaign would not sway voters' decisions. He believes voters in Negeri Sembilan are mature enough to evaluate coalitions based on their performance and track record, rather than being influenced by attempts to incite hatred or distrust. He concluded by hoping that any ill intentions behind politicizing the report would be thwarted.

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I do not think it will have an influence. I know the intention is to spread hatred and create distrust towards a coalition. However, the people, especially the voters in Negeri Sembilan, are very wise in making assessments. In their minds and hearts, they know which candidates and coalitions to choose.