Umno-controlled MAIS asked why is Selangor tithes being channeled to Perlis

Selangor PAS has questioned a recent decision by the Selangor state assembly to give some RM10 million from the state’s zakat collection to Perlis while disregarding other neighbouring northern states.

“Why were other northern states, like Kedah and Kelantan, disregarded?” asked Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman (pic).

On a claim that the state’s zakat fund, which formed one-third of the Selangor’s state revenue at RM14 billion, had also been channelled to other states, Rani said the allegations must be backed with proofs.

“I want black and white proof of this claim,” he was quoted as saying by news portal Free Malaysia Today.

Stressing that he was not against aid being distributed elsewhere, Rani said he was merely concerned on the transparency of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) in charge of distributing the state’s zakat fund.

“Muslims in Selangor have a right to know how their money was used and we must be able to explain to them. It is an issue of transparency,” he added.

A recent amendment to the Selangor's Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment 2003 frees MAIS from being accountable to the state government, and requires the body to report only to the Selangor sultan.

Rani also asked if needy in Selangor have been taken care of before helping others.

“As far as I know, there are still many Muslims in Selangor badly in need of financial aid," he said, and warned that when such needy people turned to other religious groups for help, they should not be faulted.

-Harakahdaily