MELAKA, Aug 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that acts of “sakau” (siphoning of funds) did occur in Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), following the loss of billions of ringgit as highlighted in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on the institution.
The finance minister said the term “sakau” should not be avoided or questioned if the facts showed that money had been lost from an institution entrusted with managing the savings of Muslims.
“Some people do not like the term ‘sakau’. I want to repeat here in Melaka that there was indeed ‘sakau’ in Tabung Haji.
“RM12 billion was lost, isn’t that ‘sakau’? There was indeed ‘sakau’,” he said when delivering his policy speech at the 2026 Keadilan National Congress here today.
Anwar said action must be taken against those responsible regardless of their position or political background, as the consequences of the actions of a few individuals ultimately had to be borne by the people as a whole.
“Only some were involved in the ‘sakau’, but the ones who had to pay and bear the burden were all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion,” he said.
Anwar also questioned why the RCI report on TH, which had been completed before he became prime minister, was not disclosed earlier, adding that the government could not allow the issue to remain hidden and avoided from open debate.
The prime minister also expressed his appreciation to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan for their courage in appearing in Parliament to explain and answer questions related to the TH RCI.
Anwar said instructions had been issued for stern action to be taken against those found to have committed offences.
"Regardless of which party they are from, if they are wrong, arrest and charge them.”
He said firm action should not be construed as political vengeance, adding that he would face criticism whether he acted or chose not to act.
He said some individuals who portrayed themselves as educated and principled in opposing corruption and abuse of power were, in fact, being hypocritical, as they would dismiss any action against those they supported as political revenge.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had also decreed that efforts to uncover weaknesses in the management of institutions involving the people's interests should not stop with TH.
He said that once the TH issue is resolved, attention would be turned to the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felda), in line with the government's responsibility to ensure that people's institutions are managed transparently and responsibly.
Anwar stressed that a more stringent enforcement process would begin now to ensure that those who committed wrongdoing are held accountable, regardless of their position, party or influence.
