The previous administration had handpicked 1MDB Foundation-sponsored hajj pilgrims via the Umno divisions, revealed the minister in charge of Islamic affairs.

As such, Mujahid Yusof Rawa said there was a political element in the pilgrim candidate selection process.

The pilgrimage programme, which was initiated in 2011 was meant for imams and bilals who had not ever performed the pilgrimage but this was later expanded to include village heads, he said.