Malaysian prosecutors have charged a second UMNO figure in connection with a probe into the country's haj pilgrimage fund, The Straits Times reports. The development follows the charging of former minister Jamil Khir Baharom, who faces accusations tied to the alleged misappropriation of US$211 million, according to CNA.
Jamil Khir has denied wrongdoing. Malaysiakini reports he said he was only trying to bring down the cost of the pilgrimage. The South China Morning Post reports he denies ordering the transfer of the US$211 million at the centre of the case.
Malay Mail, citing the chronology of the royal commission of inquiry into Tabung Haji, reports that Jamil Khir is among five people charged since the inquiry's report was made public. The Straits Times describes the latest charge as the second brought against a UMNO leader after the pilgrimage fund investigation.
The case centres on Tabung Haji, the state-linked body that manages savings for Malaysians preparing to perform the haj. The charges add to scrutiny of how the fund's money was handled, with the royal commission's findings serving as the backdrop to the prosecutions.
Attention now turns to the remaining individuals named in the inquiry chronology and whether further charges follow as the cases move through Malaysia's courts.