Perlis Mufti clarifies position amid zakat controversy

Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has clarified that his office has no involvement in the alleged misappropriation of RM230 million in zakat funds currently being circulated.

He explained that the management and distribution of zakat in the state fall under the jurisdiction of Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis, not the mufti’s office.

“The mufti’s role is limited to issuing fatwas on what is permissible. I do not manage or distribute zakat funds, nor do I have the authority to issue a zakat receipt,” he said as quoted by New Straits Times.

On the claims of misappropriation, Asri said he would leave it to the authorities to determine if any wrongdoing occurred.

“I have called the person who was detained for an explanation. I was told they did not collect zakat directly, but only assisted with suggestions and processes, including filling out forms,” he said.

Asri said that when an NGO receives funds to disburse to schools or for dakwah, a small portion may be allocated to administrators.

“To me, it is not wrong to pay someone for their work. If someone helps secure contributions, and is given three per cent as a token for their effort, that is payment for work, not necessarily corruption.

“The payment comes from the NGO, not MAIPs,” he said.