KOTA KINABALU (Nov 6): The Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) has once again denied resurfacing allegations on social media claiming misuse of power in the management of zakat funds, describing them as baseless and recycled accusations.
In a statement, MUIS said the matter had previously been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the minister in charge of religious affairs, who instructed that a thorough investigation be carried out.
The council confirmed that legal action for defamation has been taken against those responsible for spreading the false claims, with court proceedings currently ongoing.
To demonstrate its transparency and integrity in managing zakat funds, MUIS said it has fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in reviewing its financial accounts, including the Zakat Fund.
The investigation, it added, found no evidence of misconduct or criminal elements involving any officer or internal party of the council.
Muis also said the National Audit Department conducts comprehensive annual audits of its financial accounts, and the council has been awarded a Clean Audit Certificate for five consecutive years — a testament to its transparent and prudent financial management, fully compliant with accounting standards and relevant enactments.
In terms of quality management, MUIS achieved MS ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2021 and continues to undergo annual compliance audits by an accredited certification body.
“This recognition reflects that all MUIS work processes are systematic, professional and conducted according to established standards,” it stated.
MUIS further shared that it is in the final stages of securing MS ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System certification, underscoring its strong commitment to clean, transparent, and corruption-free governance.
The council urged the public not to be easily influenced by slander or malicious claims aimed at tarnishing its image as a key Islamic institution committed to empowering the Muslim community and safeguarding the welfare of the underprivileged in Sabah.
MUIS reaffirmed its commitment to uphold trust and integrity in carrying out its responsibilities and warned that it will not hesitate to take legal action against any party attempting to damage its reputation.
Umno Sabah Strategic Communications Director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zamani on Tuesday said the alleged transfer of RM14 million from MUIS funds is not a minor technical issue but a serious breach of public trust.
Rosman said the matter involves the integrity of zakat funds — the property of the Muslim community — which must be managed transparently and in accordance with both religious and legal principles.
He urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Malaysia Police to immediately broaden the scope of their investigation to include a full forensic audit of MUIS’ financial records, bank transactions, internal directives, and meeting minutes.
Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has called on the Sabah Government to take firm action, including a comprehensive overhaul of MUIS, if there is truth to allegations of mismanagement or abuse of power within the institution.
Suhaimi said MUIS, as a religious institution, carries a sacred trust that goes beyond administrative duties. It is a body rooted in syariah and moral responsibility, entrusted to safeguard the interests of Muslims in Sabah through the management of zakat, wakaf, and community development.
“If there is indeed any form of mismanagement or misuse of authority in MUIS, the state government must act decisively and swiftly to reform its leadership and administrative structure,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
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