MARANG: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the children of Terengganu state executive councillors are eligible to receive zakat (tithes) as they belonged to the Fisabilillah (in the path of Allah) group.
He said the distribution of tithes by the Terengganu PAS government to pay for the education of students, including five children of two state exco members did not contradict the teachings of Islam because the pursuit of knowledge was demanded by the religion.
Abdul Hadi said every application for education sponsorship from the zakat fund must follow procedures and receive approval from the zakat officer from the State Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam).
“All Terengganu-born students abroad can apply for education assistance from the zakat fund,” he said, when commenting on the disclosure by State Umno information chief Mohd Nasir Ibrahim Fikri that the fund was being abused to pay for the education of eight children, including five children of state exco members.
Mohd Nasir said the five children were not eligible for the aid as it was meant for children of the poor who were more qualified.
Abdul Hadi said PAS was not worried about the disclosure by Umno because there was no misappropriation by the state government.
State Umno Youth head Din Adam lodged a police report on the matter at the Muktafi Billah Shah police station in Dungun yesterday. – Bernama
