Zakat for legal fees: Lawyers seek Mufti's guidance

Legal firm Messrs. Zainul RijalTalha & Amir, allegedly paid using zakat (alms) money by the Federal Territories Religious Department said that they are seeking guidance from the Federal Territories Mufti on the matter.

"Our firm has contacted the Mufti to get his views for further action. The firm will adhere to what ever orders and advise that will be given by the Mufti with regards to our company," said principal partner Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar in a statement today.

The legal firm confirmed that it had received a BIMB cheque totaling RM32,150 from Jawi on April 29 2010 for legal services rendered.

The payment was for acting on behalf of Syariah Court chief prosecutor Shamsuddin Hussain, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Federal Territories Religious Department (Jawi) director Che Mat Che Al.

Last year, Anwar had filed a suit in the Syariah Court naming the trio as defendants in a bid to compel the chief prosecutor to launch legal action against Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan for allegedly lying and, failure to produce four required witnesses to verify his sodomy allegation.

Jawi payments, firm not linked

Anwar failed in his application after the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court allowed an early objection filed by Jamil.

However, Zainul said his firm was not aware of the source of the funds it received as payment for the legal services tendered nor was it company policy to ascertain the origins of payments from its clients.

He also stressed that the legal firm has nothing to do with the way or source by which Jawi paid its legal fees.

Zainul was responding to allegations made by PKR which also demanded an explanation from the government over the alleged use of alms to meet the legal fees of government officials.

Party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution had made the allegations during a press conference in parliament yesterday. - Malaysiakini