Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly addressed investigations into alleged wrongdoing involving Tabung Haji and Felda on August 21, 2026, emphasizing that these probes are not politically motivated or racially targeted but are based solely on evidence of mismanagement and losses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
He stressed that decisions regarding investigations are made by enforcement agencies such as the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while decisions on prosecution rest with the Attorney-General and sentencing with the courts. "Who decides whether to investigate? That is up to the investigating agencies — the police and MACC. Who decides whether to prosecute? That is the Attorney-General. Who decides the sentence? That is the judge, not the prime minister," Anwar said [1].
The Prime Minister highlighted that wrongdoing must be met with appropriate action regardless of race or religion. He rejected the idea that Malay or Muslim identity should provide any exemption from accountability. "We do not ask whether the company is Malay or Muslim. If there is a problem, we take action. In fact, if you ask me, Muslims and Malays must be even more serious and meticulous when it comes to ethics, management and values," he said [4].
Anwar also recounted his own experience with prosecution and imprisonment to explain his sensitivity but emphasized he does not interfere in investigations. He said he was informed of an arrest related to these probes earlier on August 21 but chose not to intervene, despite personal ties to those involved [2].
Felda has suffered estimated financial losses of about RM10 billion due to past mismanagement, despite its history of generating billions from plantation operations, the Prime Minister noted [2]. During a recent audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Anwar said the Sultan instructed that investigations into Felda be transparent and that firm action be taken against those who damaged the agency through greed [5].
The probes have drawn criticism from PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who claimed the investigations—particularly into Tabung Haji—are exaggerated and framed as attacks on Malay-Muslim institutions. Hadi suggested Islamic organizations face disproportionate scrutiny compared to non-Muslim or senior figures who avoid consequences. Anwar strongly rejected this view, saying, "Some Islamic party leaders say action is mainly being taken against Malay-Muslim agencies. If issues are identified, we will take action. Don’t make this a racial or religious issue" [4, 5, 6].
Anwar stressed that investigations must be transparent and anyone found guilty should be held accountable regardless of political affiliation or background [4, 5, 6].
The Prime Minister made these statements during a session with students and Felda management on August 21, affirming his commitment to rule of law and institutional integrity amid ongoing probes [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
