Tabung Haji funds shouldn't be used to 'bailout' 1MDB: Dr Mahathir

In his latest blog post today, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed disappointment with the issue of Tabung Haji spending RM188.5 million to purchase a 1.5 acre of prime land from the government-owned strategic development company.

"The amount of savings since Tabung Haji was established has run into billions of ringgit. This money can be invested for profit to help manage the Tabung Haji administration and subsidies for future hajj pilgrims.

"The money in Tabung Haji is from contributors and Tabung Haji has been entrusted to manage it well, in a manner permitted in Islam. This money is not Tabung Haji’s," the former premier said.

Dr Mahathir also compared the price value of the 70-acre land in Tun Razak Exchange that was bought by 1MDB at RM194.1 million, with the amount that Tabung Haji paid to purchase just 1.5 acres of that land – RM188.5 million.

"1MDB made a massive profit. Actually, this land was supposed to be a Bumiputra trade centre. But 1MDB has set aside this project. Is this how Tabung Haji utilises the money that people have entrusted them with?" he questioned.

"This plan needs to be cancelled immediately," he said.

Dr Mahathir also touched on a recent statement by Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim, where the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission advisor had said he was willing to investigate businessman Jho Low and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s stepson, Riza Aziz, if he (Dr Mahathir) lodged a report.

"Actually, a report (on Low and Riza) has been lodged by another party, but no one is investigating anything. Instead, the party who reported it was declared a bankrupt and had his house ransacked.

"If Tunku Aziz is so concerned about graft, then go probe and report on the said cases. Also prove that I had embezzled government funds," Dr Mahathir said.