Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki today stressed that his party takes the Lembaga Tabung Haji board's police report against Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim seriously.

Asyraf said there should be no compromise on matters concerning integrity and morality, particularly if it involves a religious institution such as Tabung Haji. 

He cautioned, however, that any accused are innocent until proven guilty. 

"Umno Youth is consistent that before a person is convicted, they should be treated as innocent in line with the principles of Islam and justice.

"Let the legal process take place in a manner that is fair, transparent and without prejudice in the courts of law and not on in the media," he said in a statement.

On Friday, the pilgrimage fund lodged a report against its former chairperson Azeez (photo).

Reports were also lodged against former CEOs Ismee Ismail and Johan Abdullah, chief operating officer Adi Azuan Abdul Ghani, chief financial officer Rozaida Omar, legal advisor Hazlina Mohd Khalid and senior general manager for corporate services and real estate Rifina Md Ariff.

The Tabung Haji board said one police report relates to the misuse of RM22 million for political activities. The fund was meant for Yayasan Tabung Haji. 

A second police report was aimed squarely at Ismee, Hazlina and Rifina over the disposal of a 95 percent stake in PT TH Indo Plantations.

Meanwhile, Bersatu Youth information chief Ulya Uqamah Husamudin took aim at Asyraf, pointing out that he was previously the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Islamic Affairs.

"The investigation must be expedited for public interest and to avoid polemics involving a reputable Islamic institution which has contributed much to Muslims," he said.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth exco Bastien Onn questioned the investigation.

He pointed that this was one of several cases which have yet to go to trial.

"Even if it is political, involving a major institution like Tabung Haji which takes deposits from the public is dangerous. and could put their investment at risk," he said.

Bastien said if the allegation is true, it must be brought to the courts.