Several individuals, including a possible very VIP (VVIP), are expected to face charges linked to the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), with legal proceedings scheduled for today and tomorrow. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that investigations have resulted in multiple charges concerning alleged abuses and misappropriation related to TH's investments.
Among those to be charged is Datuk Adi Azuan Abdul Ghani, the former chief operating officer of TH. He is slated to appear at the Shah Alam Sessions Court. The RCI report recommended firm action against Adi Azuan and four other former senior officers in connection with alleged misconduct involving investments in TH Marine, TH Alam, and TH Alam Management. The charges pertain to the alleged misappropriation of approximately RM334.2 million as well as corrupt dealings linked to TH’s 30% stake in the construction firm Putrajaya Perdana Berhad.
Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, the MACC chief commissioner, stated that the charges stem from two of 14 investigation papers, with suspects being informed ahead of court appearances scheduled in both Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam. He also confirmed that a third investigation paper had been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers and anticipated further charges arising, which relate to an investment in Al-Rawdah Real Estate Development and Project Management valued at 2.49 billion Saudi Riyals (around RM2.68 billion). Abd Halim did not rule out the possibility of a VVIP being among those charged.
The MACC noted that to date, 17 individuals had been arrested in connection with the TH probe, including former senior officers such as the former investment director of Tabung Haji, the director of Putrajaya Perdana Berhad, the former chairman of TH, the CEO of Alam Maritim, as well as a former federal minister. Of these arrests, 10 suspects were remanded, while statements had been recorded from approximately 245 individuals, and around 60 premises were searched as part of the investigations. Meanwhile, four investigation papers were classified as “No Further Action.”
In parallel, MACC is progressing with an investigation into the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), with arrests expected next week. The Felda probe was launched after information surfaced on August 24 concerning project implementation and investments managed by Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC) and its subsidiaries between 2010 and 2020. Six investigation papers have been opened concerning assets reportedly purchased above market value, causing financial losses, including concerning the Grand Plaza Service Apartments in London and the construction of the Felda Wellness Corporation Sdn Bhd.
So far, 12 individuals, including three directors of FIC, have provided statements in the Felda investigation. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that the Cabinet will discuss a proposal for a forensic audit on Felda’s management, reflecting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within the organization.