Najib sad TH depositors lost out due to inaccurate reports
Prime Minister says such political games that stir hatred among the people must be stopped before it became a Malaysian culture
Prime Minister Najib Razak said he was saddened by the fact that inaccurate statements made about Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) had influenced many depositors to withdraw their investment from the Muslim pilgrim fund.
In a blog post, he wrote that many who did not verify the reports put out by “irresponsible parties with a political agenda”, had their confidence shaken in such institutions.
“Investors are not only experiencing losses, but have also missed the opportunity to perform their religious obligations.”
Najib stressed that one of TH’s main functions was that of an investment body that would allow Muslims to save money in a ‘halal’ way.
Those who had withdrawn their deposit, he added, therefore would not see their returns.
Earlier this month TH declared a 5 per cent dividend for its over 8 million depositors despite allegations last month that its reserve levels were in the negative and that it would not be able to pay its depositors.
However despite the declaration of the dividend, some in the Opposition continued to question TH’s management of funds.
Najib also said the government worked hard to ensure that Muslims in the country could perform their pilgrimage and noted that the expenses borne by Malaysian pilgrims were among the lowest when compared to those from other countries.
