UMNO YOUTH: AMEND TABUNG HAJI ACT
TH should be given the responsibility to manage umrah
UMNO Youth wants the Tabung Haji (TH) Act 1995 amended to enable TH to monitor and make it smooth for Muslims in the country to perform their umrah.
Titiwangsa Umno Youth chief Nazir Hussin Akhtar Hussin said TH was qualified to carry out the responsibility based on its continued success in managing haj pilgrims annually.
“I think Tabung Haji should be given the responsibility based on its vast experience. It is also well-recognised in managing haj and umrah pilgrims.
“Tabung Haji can be given the responsibility to monitor the process, but the government must first amend the Tabung Haji Act 1995 to enable them to do so,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Under the act, Nazir Hussin said TH was authorised to only handle the affairs of Muslim pilgrims, covering all religious affairs, including visa and financial management, through its deposit services.
He proposed that the power to manage and issue the “Special Umrah Licence” should come under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department, not under the Tourism and Culture Ministry.
“This is because umrah is a form of religious obligation and those carrying out the pilgrimage are Muslims. It is not suitable to categorise it as tourism.
“The licence regulation determines that only local Muslims can handle umrah affairs,” he said, highlighting that matters of religion should not be taken lightly.
Nazir expressed his support for the government’s decision to abolish the Integrated Manasik Monitoring System (Imams), less than a day after its launch.
He said this proved that the Barisan Nasional government cared for the people.
“I thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the deputy prime minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), who are sensitive and quick to act on the issue.
“I support the action, and hope the government can find the best mechanism to avoid issues or be accused of political gimmicks.”