‘Fed up’ Malaysian sultan rebukes scandal-hit pilgrimage fund, demands accountability

A Malaysian ruler has demanded accountability over the mismanagement of a pilgrimage fund, where a government rescue, criminal proceedings against former officials and half-hearted reforms have fuelled concerns over political influence in an institution entrusted with the savings of millions of Muslims in the country.

Tabung Haji holds the savings of more than 9.8 million depositors and helps Malaysian Muslims finance and undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious obligation for those with the means to make the journey.

Its financial troubles required a government rescue in 2018, according to a royal commission of inquiry report released on July 29, which examined the fund’s management and operations between 2014 and 2020.