GEORGE TOWN: Penaga assemblyman Yusni Mat Piah from Perikatan Nasional has questioned the state government’s governance and management of zakat funds.
He also raised concerns over the appointment process for a senior officer, allegedly from PKR, under an Islamic agency in the state.
Yusni alleged irregularities in appointments at agencies linked to Zakat Pulau Pinang.
He claimed that an officer appointed to a senior position in 2024 did not meet the stipulated recruitment requirements.
“There was an interview for an experienced officer’s position with clear conditions. The candidate had to be at least 35 years old and possess more than eight years of experience.
“But the candidate appointed was only 32 years old at the time,” he said during a press conference right after his debate speech at the Penang state assembly on Tuesday (May 12).
Yusni also questioned whether the individual had fulfilled the minimum experience requirement for the senior post in the Penang Zakat Collection Division.
He further alleged that governance standards had been compromised in the appointment process.
Yusni also claimed that funds initially categorised as a loan to Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang were later given away and no longer required repayment.
“This involves zakat funds belonging to Muslims and meant for the eight asnaf groups. Why was the status changed from a loan to just being given away?” he asked.
Yusni said there was allegedly a letter informing about the change in status.
He also criticised what he described as a concentration of power involving the state’s Deputy Chief Minister I, who he claimed held 13 positions linked to Islamic administrations and related agencies.
According to Yusni, matters involving zakat funds should have been referred to the state fatwa committee and the mufti for proper guidance and compliance review.
He further alleged that only RM2mil had been distributed from RM120mil in waqf and zakat funds.
