A general view of the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on June 21, 2019. – Image by Choo Choy May
Sunday Jul 03, 2022 6:56 PM MYT
MELAKA, July 3 – A clear explanation of the handling of mosque funds to committee members is crucial, to ensure that there are no leaks or irregularities that affect public trust and credibility of the mosque as one of the fund distribution platforms.
Director of the Community Education Division of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Razim Mohd Noor, said his division will expand the mosque community program against corruption nationwide, with the aim of better understanding and raising public awareness of the management of funds. , especially among the members of the mosque committee.
He said that in general most malpractice cases involve criminal breach of trust, which is a very serious offense and has a huge impact on society if not dealt with at an early stage.
“We receive a lot of grievances and complaints from the community expressing their dissatisfaction and concern with the handling of mosque funds. This is what we want to avoid.
“Through the Mosque Community Against Corruption program, we will provide briefing and explanation to mosque committee members on corruption offenses and other aspects of corruption prevention that need to be emphasized in the management of mosque funds. mosque,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the program at Surau Al-Mughni in Kampung Tersusun, Bukit Larang here today.
The program, jointly organized by the MACC, the Islamic Religious Department of Melaka (JAIM) and the Surau Al-Mughni, was also attended by the Director of JAIM, Datuk Che Sukri Che Mat.
Razim said that through such sensitization program, mosque committee members could streamline standard operating procedures (SOPs) in terms of managing mosque funds, which turned out to be loose and later led to abuse of power and the leakage of public funds. .
“For example, the implementation of a project that uses mosque funds must follow transparent procedures and processes, as we do not want these projects to be controlled by the mosque committee members themselves.
“It will create a negative perception among the community or congregation members, which will cause them to lose trust in the committee members, and even worse, they decide to stay away from mosques,” he said. .
He said the program will be implemented in stages with the cooperation of religious agencies and mosques across the country.
Meanwhile, Surau Al-Mughni chairman Mohd Noor Siden said the mosque’s community against corruption was a good approach, especially in the management of mosque funds, thus reminding committee members to the mosque to be transparent and careful in spending the funds raised.
“Often when we heard about MACC arresting people who abuse their power, corruption…but this time MACC goes out into the field to be with the community, to provide knowledge or education related to corruption offenses and related laws,” he added. — Bernama
