States should draft laws to govern mosque finances, says MACC

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KAJANG: The Islamic authorities in all states should draft laws governing the financial management of mosques, said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission had been receiving more complaints about the financial management and procurement processes of mosques and surau.
"I strongly encourage this effort, starting with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, but ideally, it should be extended to all state religious councils across the country.
"Mosque management is crucial not only because mosques are symbols of Islam, but also because the institution itself must be strengthened.
"Some mosques, particularly those in cities, manage large sums of money and require proper oversight," he said.
Azam was speaking to reporters after launching Universiti Islam Selangor's Integrity Policy here today.
He said religious councils must introduce clear regulations to ensure regular and consistent monitoring of mosque affairs.
"This would also enable appropriate action to be taken against mosque committees or members who breach governance standards or violate rules set by their respective state religious authorities."
He said that the absence of explicit state-level regulations governing mosque management has hindered the MACC's ability to act.
"Because there are no clear regulations under the respective state enactments, the MACC cannot take legal action when members of mosque committees violate ambiguous or non-existent rules," he said.
Azam said that while the MACC Act is a federal law applicable nationwide, it lacks specific provisions for mosque administration.
"Our Act covers general misconduct across the country, but it doesn't specifically address the governance of mosque institutions.
"This is unlike other sectors, such as cooperatives, which are governed by clearly defined laws.
"For mosques, a more tailored legal framework is needed under each state's jurisdiction," he said.
He said the financial responsibilities of some mosques were substantial, yet they operated without sufficient oversight.
Earlier, in his officiating speech, Azam cited the purchase of cattle for korban (ritual sacrifice) as an example of mosque transactions that should be managed.
"I once spoke to a cattle supplier who revealed that mosque committees had requested inflated prices. The actual cost was RM3,500, but they asked for it to be listed as RM4,500. He named several mosques that had engaged in such practices.
"Unfortunately, cases like these are not uncommon. In our society, particularly when it involves religious affairs, people tend to avoid asking too many questions.
"This culture of silence creates opportunities for individuals to enrich themselves," he said.
Azam said places of worship of other faiths also needed to manage their financial transactions.