Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), was remanded for five days beginning September 2, 2026, to assist the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in investigating leases of two Tabung Haji properties in Makkah and Medina, Saudi Arabia [1, 2, 3, 4]. Jamil was arrested around 4:30 p.m. on September 1 after voluntarily appearing at MACC headquarters to give his statement. He wore an orange remand T-shirt during court proceedings the following day [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

The investigation stems from weaknesses documented in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji, which covered governance, financial management, and risky investments between 2014 and 2020. The RCI report was publicly released on July 29, 2026 [1, 6, 3, 4, 5].

Jamil is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting or receiving gratification as inducement or reward. The offence carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of at least five times the gratification value or RM10,000 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

His lawyer, Datuk Hamidi Mohd Noh, said Jamil has fully cooperated with the investigation since 2018 and never failed to cooperate. "From 2018 until now, Datuk Seri Jamil has always given his cooperation," he said [1, 7, 5]. Hamidi also confirmed he was asked by the Umno party president to represent Jamil during remand proceedings [1].

The MACC has opened 14 investigation papers related to the Tabung Haji RCI report and its fallout, involving 18 arrests and 11 remand orders, including for former Tabung Haji senior officials and corporate figures [8, 9, 10]. Among those previously remanded were the former Tabung Haji chairman and former Treasury secretary-general, held for seven days in late August 2026 before their release after statement recording [3, 4].

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said a prominent or VVIP figure may soon be charged in connection with the lease investigation. "Yes, I do not rule out the possibility that a VVIP will be charged in the case," he said, adding an announcement will be made later [1, 11]. On prosecution, he said, "We will see whether the committee appointed will decide on further action, including prosecution in court. If there is no prosecution, then there will be none" [12].

MACC's investigation papers include cases referred directly from the RCI report and independently uncovered issues, some previously pending and reopened for review [12, 10]. The probe continues actively following public disclosure of the RCI report and related detentions.

Jamil Khir’s remand will end September 6, giving MACC additional time to question him and finalize aspects of the investigation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].