Former minister held in connection with Tabung Haji hotel lease inquiry

Authorities have detained a former cabinet minister in relation to an ongoing probe into a hotel leasing matter involving Malaysia's pilgrimage fund, Tabung Haji. The detention came as part of a widening investigation into the transaction, which has drawn scrutiny from both enforcement agencies and the public. The former minister's involvement in the lease arrangement is understood to be a focal point of the inquiry. Remand proceedings are scheduled to commence tomorrow, where prosecutors are expected to apply for an extension of custody to facilitate further questioning. The investigation forms part of recent efforts by authorities to scrutinise high-value transactions and agreements linked to government-linked entities, amid concerns over governance and financial accountability.