THE findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji concern integrity, governance, and public trust rather than questions of race or religion, according to the director-general of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), Datuk Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil.
Speaking to reporters following a media literacy event on the inquiry, Mohamed Azam emphasised that a proper grasp of the issues raised by the commission is essential to rebuilding depositor confidence and safeguarding the long-term viability of the Islamic pilgrim fund.
"Most importantly, we want to restore the confidence of the public and depositors in Tabung Haji. This is because without the trust of the people, depositors, Muslims and non-Muslims in Tabung Haji's credibility, we are concerned that the institution may not achieve the sustainability it requires," he said.
The literacy programme, organised jointly by the Malaysian Press Institute and IKIM, aimed to offer media practitioners and the wider public a clearer explanation of the commission's findings from an Islamic perspective, as well as an overview of ongoing enforcement actions.
"Without the trust of the public, depositors, Muslims and non-Muslims in Tabung Haji's credibility, we are concerned that it may not achieve the sustainability required," Mohamed Azam added, stressing that the fund holds a unique position due to its role in enabling Muslims to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.
Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong underscored the importance of ensuring journalists fully grasp the nuances of the report so as to inform the public accurately.
"I think if we go to other places, with the cooperation of IKIM and others, this would be a wiser step so that the public and communities can learn more about an issue that is extremely important," Yong said. "Tabung Haji, as well as its investors and depositors, are very important to the country."
The event coincided with revelations from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that investigators have opened 14 investigation papers and searched 28 premises, predominantly across the Klang Valley, in connection with the inquiry's findings.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman had earlier confirmed that 115 individuals have been interviewed at the commission's headquarters in Putrajaya.
He noted that three of the six core issues identified by the royal commission have been fully investigated—leading to recommendations for criminal charges in certain instances and no further action in others—while the remaining three matters are nearing completion. - August 14, 2026
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