Minister Vows No Cover Up In Zakat Fund Misappropriation Probe

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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: The government will not compromise on any form of misconduct, corruption, or abuse of power, particularly those involving funds entrusted for the welfare of Muslims.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said no attempts had been made to protect individuals involved in the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds, and firm action would be taken in accordance with existing rules and laws.
"Funds entrusted for the welfare of the Muslim ummah must be managed with integrity, trust, and transparency.
"I have taken note of reports regarding allegations of abuse of power and misappropriation in the management of zakat aid under one of the religious agencies.
"I was informed that an internal investigation has been initiated and an official report has been lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure the probe is conducted independently and thoroughly," he said in a statement on his official Facebook page today.
Na'im also expressed appreciation for individuals and members of the public who bravely came forward to report such misconduct, describing their courage as a reflection of shared integrity that should be emulated.
He urged the public to promptly lodge reports with the authorities if they are aware of any form of misappropriation or abuse of power, assuring that every complaint would be investigated seriously without compromise.
At the same time, he reminded all agencies under the Religious Affairs portfolio not to betray the trust placed in them, saying that failing to uphold integrity would not only tarnish the reputation of the institutions but also erode public confidence in religious bodies.
Na'im added that the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) would continue to work closely with the MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure firm action is taken against any parties found guilty.
Yesterday, the MACC reportedly detained a former employee of a statutory body on suspicion of being involved in a syndicate misappropriating zakat allocations totalling about RM120,000, involving 28 ineligible applicants.
The woman, in her 30s, was arrested while giving her statement at the Kuala Lumpur MACC office.
The magistrate's court subsequently granted a four-day remand order until Wednesday to assist investigations under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. - NST

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