Zakat fund was not misused, council says

The Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Council (MAIWP) has refuted an allegation of abuse of power in approving disbursement of zakat (tithe) funds to Yayasan Taqwa.

In a statement today, MAIWP said it had received an application last year from Yayasan Taqwa for RM8.81 million and that the council had approved RM4 million.

“Payment was made in two stages namely RM3 million on June 30, and RM1 million on Nov 30 last year,” it said.

“Hence, the allegation by (PAS Youth chief) Nasrudin (Hassan) that MAIWP had approved the loan without proper consideration is unfounded, and not based on facts or full scrutiny.

“Yayasan Taqwa was formed by MAIWP in 1990 and is tasked with managing the council’s funds for charity to various organisations inside and outside the country.”

Yesterday, Nasrudin had questioned why Yayasan Taqwa had received RM4 million from MAIWP when it had sought only RM1 million.

He demanded answers of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom, who heads both MAIWP and the foundation.