MACC Forms Task Force to Investigate Alleged Corruption and Mismanagement of Malaysia's Tabung Haji

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has formed a special task force to review the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report regarding alleged mismanagement at Lembaga Tabung Haji. The task force will examine the possibility of legal violations, including corruption, criminal breach of trust, document forgery, abuse of power, and money laundering. MACC appointed Senior Director of Investigation Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar as the team leader after the RCI report was published on the official portal of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) on Wednesday (29/7). In its statement, MACC said the task force will assess whether the findings in the report contain elements of offences under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, or other laws and regulations. “MACC is committed to ensuring that every issue raised in the report is thoroughly examined. If legal violations are found, firm action will be taken regardless of the position or background of the individuals involved,” the MACC statement read on Thursday (30/7). The Malaysian anti-corruption commission stressed that it will continue to uphold the principles of the rule of law, accountability, and integrity in carrying out its duties. The move is also described as part of efforts to strengthen governance without intervention from any party. MACC also urged the public not to speculate while the review and investigation process is ongoing. The formation of this task force follows up on recommendations in the RCI report concerning the governance of Tabung Haji, Malaysia’s largest hajj savings fund manager. The results of the task force’s review will serve as the basis for MACC to determine whether further investigation is warranted against the parties suspected of involvement.