Muslims would have read with disquiet last weekend's newspaper report that our Tabung Haji paid a premium for two buildings, which they bought under mysterious circumstances.

Is this a case of unseen but powerful political leaders directing the board, to force their hands to purchase 'state of the art' buildings at an inflated price, in order to help other companies facing a financial crisis?

How in God's name can these ungodly people betray the trust of millions of Muslims by misusing the board's money, which is for Muslim to perform their haj?

Is this fiasco the tip of the iceberg of malpractice occurring in the Tabung Haji? Malpractice has occurred before including investment in money markets which resulted in colossal losses investments in projects that did not benefit the board or it members but only some individuals with vested interests.

Many investors have also lamented that the dividend from the body has been dwindling every year. Under these circumstances, the board, with hoards of cash and assets, should not be a piggy bank for the powers-that-be and their cronies to raid for their own selfish interests.

Can we expect the authorities to check on the malpractice within the Tabung Haji and ensure that the body return to its main function of assisting poor and hard-pressed Muslims to perform their haj as required by the religion?

The malaise of the Tabung Haji is reflective of the lack of corporate governance and transparency during the former premier's rule. I am sure other government agencies and their subsidiaries face similar problems as their board of directors are not independent enough to go against their political masters for reasons best known to them.

I wonder when our political masters and their cohorts will learn from past mistakes.