'Pig gelatin seen as more serious than corruption'

Johor Parti Amanah Negara chief Aminolhuda Hassan has lamented how some religious leaders take issues like pig gelatin and alcohol more seriously than corruption.

Aminolhuda said this following the arrest of four religious officers in Johor by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"These days, there are some religious leaders who do not take the issue of corruption seriously.

"It is seen as not being as serious as the issue of pig gelatin or alcohol content, even though corruption can bring down a country," he said in a statement today.

Aminolhuda said religious institutions are meant to defend the sanctity of Islam, but they ended up becoming embroiled in corruption.

"As a result, Islamic institutions may not be regarded with respect in future.

"If this disease (corruption) proliferates, It could lead to major problems when the (religious) department tries to address societal issues," he said.

Aminolhuda proposed anti-corruption education be stepped up, including among religious leaders, in a bid to overcome the problem.

"Firstly, corruption should be listed as a sin in the Islamic Studies subject in schools.

"Secondly, a module on corruption should also be promoted in Islamic institutions.

"Thirdly, introduce a special syllabus for religious leaders focusing on scriptures that is consistent in opposing corruption," he said.

Aminolhuda said only then can Islam truly lead Muslims in the fight against corruption.

Yesterday, two officers of the Johor Baru District Religious Education Department were arrested for allegedly taking kickbacks for a book printing contract.

According to theSun Daily, the RM5 million contract was meant to supply books to 175,000 students in 550 religious schools in the state.

One of the arrested officers is reported to be a senior member of the Johor Religious Teachers Association.

In another case, an assistant director and an assistant officer of the Johor State Religious Department were arrested for abuse of power.

They allegedly awarded permits for Muslim pre-marriage courses to an unregistered organisation for kickbacks totalling RM130,000.

The report said the money was allegedly used for pilgrimages, overseas tours and personal use.-Mkini