A former Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman and a former Treasury secretary-general were released from remand on September 1 after being held by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for seven days. Both men were arrested on August 26 at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya and remanded from August 27 to September 1 to assist investigations connected to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji [1, 2, 3, 4].
MACC began its investigation on July 31 after the declassification and public release of a 252-page RCI report. The report examined Tabung Haji's management, operations, and assets between 2014 and 2020, covering a period marked by problematic investments that severely reduced its asset value [2, 3, 4]. The RCI recommended a forensic audit to examine these investments closely and advised amending rules to bar active politicians from the TH board to avoid political interference [1, 2, 3, 4]. The investigation is proceeding under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with abuse of position to solicit gratification [3, 4].
Before the recent arrests, MACC detained a former TH CEO and seven other individuals, including former senior TH management and company directors, over allegations involving false documents, investment proposals, and hotel lease deals in Saudi Arabia [2, 3, 4]. The RCI report excluded the ongoing restructuring and recovery plans at the time of the investigation [1].
Sources confirmed that MACC completed recording statements from both men, who are in their 60s and carry the honorific titles "Datuk Seri" and "Tan Sri" before their release on September 1 morning [3, 4].
The investigation continues as authorities review additional evidence stemming from the RCI report's 25 key recommendations and the complex details uncovered during the probe. The next developments in the case are expected as MACC follows up on outstanding inquiries.
