In a blog post, he wrote that many who did not verify the reports put out by “irresponsible parties with a political agenda”, had their confidence shaken in such institutions.

“Investors are not only experiencing losses, but have also missed the opportunity to perform their religious obligations.”

Najib stressed that one of TH’s main functions was that of an investment body that would allow Muslims to save money in a ‘halal’ way.

Those who had withdrawn their deposit, he added, therefore would not see their returns.

Earlier this month TH declared a 5 per cent dividend for its over 8 million depositors despite allegations last month that its reserve levels were in the negative and that it would not be able to pay its depositors.

However despite the declaration of the dividend, some in the Opposition continued to question TH’s management of funds.

Najib also said the government worked hard to ensure that Muslims in the country could perform their pilgrimage and noted that the expenses borne by Malaysian pilgrims were among the lowest when compared to those from other countries.

He also noted the strong diplomatic ties the country enjoyed with Saudi Arabia that resulted in the quota for Malaysian pilgrims increased from time to time.

“Wouldn’t it be such a shame if all the hard work, good ties were to go to waste because of irresponsible statements by politicians and social media users?”

The Umno president said while he understood there were those out to stir hatred among the people, such political games had to stop.

There was no need, Najib added, to make the spreading of misinformation part of Malaysian culture. “Not until the point that it caused Muslims to lose their savings or saw them denied of a chance to carry out their religious obligations.”