FORMER Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom has insisted that he never acted beyond recommendations submitted by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) on investment decisions during his tenure overseeing the institution from 2009 to 2018.
Jamil Khir said the governance structure governing TH clearly required the minister responsible for the institution to rely on recommendations from the TH board before approving any applications, requests, property transactions, purchases, sales or tenancy arrangements.
He said TH was also required to ensure that all proposals were first reviewed by its risk management team to determine whether they complied with good governance practices and shariah requirements.
“That is why I am very confident that during the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into TH, I asked them to check again which memorandum was brought to me where I had gone beyond the recommendations submitted by the board.
“The minister’s authority was based on recommendations from the board,” he said.
Jamil Khir, who is also an UMNO Supreme Council member, was speaking to reporters after attending the launch of the Negeri Sembilan Barisan Nasional (BN) Women’s Pledge ceremony here today.
His comments followed the release of the TH RCI report, which found that the minister responsible for TH held extensive powers under the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535), including authority over major aspects of the institution’s governance, management and operations.
Jamil Khir, who was among witnesses called by the RCI, said TH’s governance had undergone audits by the National Audit Department (JAN) and international audit firms, with the institution receiving clean audit reports between 2009 and 2017.
“Although there were people talking about siphoning money, stealing money, robbing money or taking money, the RCI found that there was no mention of such matters.
“What existed was a report made in 2017 stating that our financial funds were lower than our liabilities. That was why they said there was an amount considered inappropriate to be withdrawn.
“I want everyone to understand thoroughly that TH, which was established in 1963, is governed and regulated under the Tabung Haji Act,” he said.
On whether he was prepared to face investigations by enforcement authorities following the RCI findings, Jamil Khir said he had no objections if called upon and was prepared to cooperate.
“If they want to investigate, it is alright. We cannot run away, can we? I am a Malaysian citizen,” he said.
The statement came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered a comprehensive investigation into possible elements of abuse of power or breaches of regulations following the disclosure of the TH RCI report.
Anwar said the investigation would involve the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). - July 30, 2026
