World · Malaysia Bureau
Former Tabung Haji executive challenges bribery conviction in court
Zaharuddin Hamid, a former senior manager at Tabung Haji, is seeking to overturn his 2023 conviction for accepting RM170,477 in bribes. He was found guilty of facilitating contract awards to two construction companies for renovation projects.
LSN Malaysia ·
The former Tabung Haji executive has filed an appeal challenging his conviction on corruption charges, court documents indicate. Zaharuddin Hamid was previously found guilty of soliciting and receiving bribes totalling RM170,477 from two construction firms in exchange for assistance in securing renovation contracts.
The case centres on allegations that Zaharuddin used his position at the Islamic pilgrimage fund to improperly influence contract awards. Prosecutors contended that the payments were made to facilitate the companies' bids for Tabung Haji projects during a specified period.
Zaharuddin's legal team is arguing grounds for the appeal, seeking to have the conviction set aside. The matter is expected to be heard in the higher court as part of Malaysia's appellate process.
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of governance practices within statutory bodies and government-linked entities. Tabung Haji, which manages funds for Malaysian pilgrims, has previously implemented internal reforms and strengthened procurement oversight in response to similar matters.