No one above law in Tabung Haji probe, says DPM

No one is above the law in Malaysia, especially concerning the Tabung Haji (TH) Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), according to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He affirmed that all findings from the RCI must be transparently revealed before any legal actions are taken.

"There is no immunity because the RCI is a Royal Commission of Inquiry that conducts investigations, and the findings from the investigation and study need to be known transparently," Ahmad Zahid told reporters. He added that if any abuse of power, embezzlement, breach of trust, or other improper practices are found, there are established processes for police reports and investigations into criminal, commercial, and other legal aspects.

This statement follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement that the government is prepared to disclose the RCI report soon. Anwar Ibrahim expressed confidence that the Cabinet would approve the public release of the report after its presentation. Ahmad Zahid supports the public disclosure but cautioned against using the RCI report for political campaigning in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election. He stressed that the issue should be viewed professionally, with audit and investigation reports aimed at finding solutions rather than escalating tensions.

Ahmad Zahid also expressed confidence that depositor confidence in TH is increasing and should not be damaged by inaccurate interpretations of the RCI findings. As Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, he believes the report's presentation during the campaign will not sway voters, whom he considers mature enough to judge coalitions based on performance. He suggested that any malicious intent to sow hatred or distrust would be countered by the voters' wisdom.