THE government is open to considering a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) if there is sufficient evidence and a clear need for an independent public investigation.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said issues involving public funds, including governance and investment decisions, would continue to be examined based on facts, evidence and appropriate oversight mechanisms.
“If the findings of the review establish a need and clear public interest in a special investigation, a proposal to establish an RCI may be considered accordingly,” she said in a written parliamentary reply published on Parliament's website on Tuesday.
Azalina was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked whether the government was prepared to consider an RCI into KWAP and EPF over governance, investment management or financial decisions that could be called into question.
She said the government would assess the public interest involved, the seriousness of the issues, and the available facts and evidence when determining whether an RCI was necessary, whether involving institutions managing public funds or other bodies.
On the procedures for establishing an RCI, Azalina said the relevant ministry must submit a proposal through a memorandum to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Once approved, the Prime Minister would seek the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
If consent was granted, the commission's terms of reference, membership and duration of the inquiry would be determined before its establishment was gazetted in the Federal Government Gazette, allowing it to begin its work. - October 21, 2026