SHAH ALAM: Pas today reminded Tabung Haji depositors against withdrawing their money from the institution, saying that the pilgrim fund's financial position is still strong.
The party’s president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said depositors must realised that their money in TH is meant for the purpose of performing haj, which is the fifth Pillars of Islam.
”It is not wise to put the money in banks. I am confident that TH will come out of this." he said during the ‘Bicara Minda’ programme, organised by the Karangkraf Group here today. The event was moderated by veteran journalist, Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.
On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said TH would be placed under the supervision of the central bank from January next year as part of efforts to win back the trust of depositors.
He said the weak governance under the previous management of the pilgrim's fund had violated the trust of the people.
Mujahid added that the Cabinet has given full support to the recovery plan for TH, which includes the establishment of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) this month to take over, restore and maximise the recovery efforts of underperforming assets, as well as sales of the assets to improve TH’s financial position.
Asked why Pas did not push for auditing to be conducted on TH, Hadi said the Islamic party would support the government if that was the plan.
”However, let’s be fair and do the auditing without any political agenda. We should also look into auditing Perwaja, BMF and Employees Provident Fund as well.
"Don’t turn TH into a scapegoat...” he added, suggesting that a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) be convened to fully investigate the allegation on TH.
Hadi said such venue was needed to ensure that the issue is not being used by the government as political fodder.
When asked by a participant if DAP is a threat to Islam and Malaysian economy, Hadi said it was unfair to make such statement, saying that in a democratic country, political parties are free to have their own ideology.
”Whether they are practicing socialism or liberalism, is a different matter. (However) We did hear a lot of Muslims in Penang are complaining about not being treated fairly.
He added that in Kelantan, the Indians and Chinese received fair treatment from the Pas government and are even allowed to purchase lands in Malay villages.
”DAP must be fair to all including Muslims.” he said.