Radzi Jidin Refutes Claims of Last-minute Format Change for the Tabung Haji RCI Sitting

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) Vice President Datuk Seri Dr Radzi Jidin has defended his party’s decision to remain in the Dewan Rakyat during the Special Sitting on the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report, dismissing claims that the session’s format was altered at the last minute.

Addressing queries over why BERSATU parliamentarians chose to participate rather than join the walkout staged by other opposition lawmakers on August 11, Radzi clarified that the proceedings were conducted in full accordance with advance official notifications.

Radzi cited an official notification from Dewan Rakyat Secretary Dr. Nizam Mydin Bin Bacha Mydin, dated July 30, 2026, which explicitly stated that the Special Sitting would center on a Ministerial Explanation under Standing Order 14(1)(i) regarding the RCI report, with Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul allowing MPs to seek clarifications and offer views.

“So, the narrative that the format of the special sitting was suddenly changed into a Minister’s explanation session should not arise, because this was clearly stated in the letter sent by the Dewan Rakyat Secretary dated July 30, 2026,” Radzi explained.

Radzi revealed that BERSATU had previously viewed a single-day session as inadequate given the weight of the findings. In response, he submitted a formal request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Leader of the House, appealing for the sitting to be extended to at least two days. While the session remained scheduled for one day, parliamentary proceedings were adjusted to eliminate the afternoon recess to maximize time for debate.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to parliamentary oversight, Radzi stressed that BERSATU MPs conducted meticulous preparations—including detailed reviews of the RCI report, joint discussion sessions, and fact-checking—to ensure meaningful participation.

“For us as BERSATU Members of Parliament, the space to debate, obtain clarification, and present views on issues related to Tabung Haji is crucial in carrying out our trust as MPs,” he stated.

Beyond seeking accountability for past operational failures within Tabung Haji, Radzi emphasized that the parliamentary discussion must serve as a launchpad for systemic regulatory overhauls across all statutory institutions managing public assets.

“We not only want to see firm action taken against those involved and efforts made to rectify weaknesses in Tabung Haji, but we also want this RCI debate to be a turning point for major regulatory changes across all institutions that collect and safeguard the people’s funds,” Radzi declared.

He specifically highlighted the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP), the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP), and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as key entities that require strengthened oversight frameworks to protect public savings.

–NMT