KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom has denied that he used Islamic tithes to build a mansion for his family.
The minister in charge of Islamic affairs told a press conference today he had lived in the Kampung Batu Muda home since 1994 and renovations were paid for with his own money.
“Wallahi, I did not take zakat money. You can check with the Federal Territory zakat department and get a clean audit.
“I dare to swear if they dare,” Jamil Khir (picture) told reporters.
The Malaysia Today news portal had published a picture of Jamil Khir’s home yesterday, alleging that it was worth millions of ringgit.
In the report, PKR Youth deputy chief Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin had challenged the minister to explain how he could afford such a home after three years in office with a monthly salary of not more than RM15,000.
But the senator said today the allegations were a “desperate political” move to tarnish his image.
“I have lived there for 17 years and I do not know why it is now being raised. It is just renovations.
“I don’t want to prolong this issue. Before this I was not unemployed. My last post was as a Major-General with a pension and gratuity. Not up to RM1 million but it was enough,” he added.
He also said that the expansion of his home was due to the increasing number of people in his family, including his parents and his six children who also earn their own income now.
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