Malaysia to charge former minister over haj fund corruption
Ex-religious affairs minister Jamil Khir Baharom is the highest-ranking figure to be implicated in the Tabung Haji scandal
The charges relate to alleged dubious dealings involving the leasing of hotels in Saudi Arabia, which manages access to Mecca where millions of Muslims from around the world gather annually for the haj pilgrimage.
“This proves our commitment in handling corruption, leakages and abuse of power,” MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman told reporters at a media briefing.
“We conduct our probes regardless of an individual’s background or affiliation.”
Jamil was arrested and remanded earlier this month after the MACC launched a crackdown following the release in July of a royal commission of inquiry report into alleged corruption and misappropriation at the fund. If found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison.
