Malaysian anti-corruption authorities have arrested a former minister in connection with the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) investigating Tabung Haji, the country's pilgrimage fund. The arrest is linked to a hotel deal, according to Malay Mail.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained the former minister to assist with the probe, as reported by NST Online. The individual was expected to be remanded on Wednesday, according to klsescreener.com.
The arrest follows a separate development in the same investigation. Free Malaysia Today reported that a former chairman of Tabung Haji and a former Treasury secretary-general were released after a seven-day remand period. Their release came just before the former minister's detention.
The RCI was established to examine the management and operations of Tabung Haji, a key Islamic financial institution that manages the savings of millions of Malaysian Muslim pilgrims. The probe has focused attention on past leadership and financial decisions, including the hotel acquisition now under scrutiny.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has addressed criticism of the government's actions in the case. NST Online reports that Anwar questioned why the government is being criticized when it is acting to protect public funds. His remarks suggest the administration views the arrests as part of a necessary effort to ensure accountability over the management of the pilgrimage fund.
The investigation remains active, with the MACC continuing to gather evidence. The next step will be the court's decision on the remand application for the former minister, which will determine the length of his detention while the probe continues.
