Students are not rude — those who betray the trust of Tabung Haji must be held accountable

KUALA LUMPUR: Students should not be labelled “rude” simply for taking to the streets to voice their concerns and demand answers over alleged misconduct involving Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), says Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Mas Gading chief Heikarl Edzha Zaini.

Heikarl said he viewed seriously remarks by certain Umno Youth leaders who criticised students for holding a protest and speaking out on issues surrounding alleged mismanagement and abuse of funds involving the Islamic pilgrimage fund.

“Since when are students who dare to ask questions, voice objections and demand accountability over the money of Muslims considered rude?” he said in a statement.

He stressed that students should not be treated as enemies simply because they chose to speak up, particularly in a democratic country where young people have the right to express their views.

“If we want to talk about manners, then we should ask who is truly being disrespectful — students who take to the streets demanding answers, or those who, if proven, have misused, abused or betrayed the trust placed in them over Tabung Haji depositors’ money?” he said.

Heikarl said Tabung Haji did not belong to any political party, but represented the savings of ordinary Malaysians who had spent years putting aside their hard-earned money with the hope of performing the Hajj.

As such, he said every question concerning the integrity and management of Tabung Haji funds deserved transparent answers rather than attacks against those demanding accountability.

“Do not lecture students about manners if we are afraid to face their courage in demanding the truth.

“Speaking up is not rude. Demanding accountability is not rude. What is far more disrespectful is betraying the people’s trust — if such misconduct is proven,” he said.