Parliament Proposed to Establish Special Committee to Monitor Islamic Institutions

KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) has proposed that Parliament establish a Special Committee comprising Muslim Members of Parliament from various parties to carry out checks and balances on Islamic institutions such as the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH).

Its Chairman, Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, said the Special Committee could be established under Article 82 of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders.

“Through this committee, it can play a role in calling relevant parties, including groups of experts in various fields involving corporate, financial and investment matters, to obtain views and ideas on any issue.

“The mechanism of checks and balances is important because Islamic institutions such as TH are crucial as they involve the great interests of Muslims in this country,” he said in a statement today.

The government two days ago released the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report regarding TH.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the authorities to immediately investigate the issues raised in the RCI report.

The TH RCI report put forward 25 main recommendations to enhance transparency, professionalism and governance of the institution.

Among the key recommendations contained in the RCI report is to ban active politicians from sitting on the TH Board of Directors to prevent political interference.

Meanwhile, TH today stated that 75 per cent of the RCI recommendations have been implemented to enhance the governance and well-being of the institution, while the remaining recommendations are currently in the process of implementation.

At the same time, Muhammad Faisal said the debate on the TH RCI report in Parliament is important because it is the people’s institution that has the mandate to debate major matters, thus reflecting the transparency that is crucial for the people.

He said BERSIH also agrees with the RCI’s recommendation that an independent body be established to advise and assist the Prime Minister, particularly in matters concerning the selection of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of TH.

Berita Harian