PETALING JAYA: PAS has called for the resignation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, over a recent alleged abuse of power case related to zakat funds used to purchase land involving a senior state government official.
Penang PAS information chief Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Jan said the high-ranking nature of the case had eroded the trust of the Penang people in the state’s religious institutions.
He also called for Mohamad Abdul to resign from all his positions related to the administration and leadership of Islamic religious institutions in this state, including the latter’s status as the Penang Islamic Religious Council president.
“This situation has not only tarnished the image of the Penang Islamic Religious Department but also caused anxiety among Muslims who expect religious institutions to be managed professionally, independently, and responsibly.
“Him (Mohamad Abdul) stepping down is the most appropriate course of action right now to restore public confidence and to allow a transparent investigation to proceed without any influence of power.
“The trust of the Muslim community must be preserved, and anyone who fails to uphold it with fairness and honesty is no longer fit to lead,” Muhammad Fawwaz said in a Facebook post Monday (Feb 2).
Muhammad Fawwaz, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP, added that the case went beyond administrative concerns due to its ties to the management of zakat and waqf funds worth millions of ringgit that was entrusted to the government by the Ummah (Muslim community).
Previously on Jan 30, the Penang branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that it had opened an investigation paper into the allegations under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of office for gratification.
