The Selangor government today launched a new unit aimed at helping poor Muslims avoid “facing the risk” of leaving the faith in pursuit of a better life.

Called “ Unit Selamat Aqidah ”, it will act as a service centre to receive complaints and requests for whatever form of assistance to ease the burden of underprivileged Muslims.

hasan ali umno pas selangor talk quality hotel 300708 02 Executive councillor in charge of Islamic affairs, Malay customs, infrastructure and public facilities Hasan Ali ( left ) said his office is aware of the perception that state government agencies, bodies and voluntary organisations are not doing enough to help underprivileged Muslims.

He said the unit will work closely with the Selangor Zakat Board, which will nominate staff to process applications - which will be approved so long as they fulfill the set terms and conditions.

“It is hoped that Muslims, who have been receiving or plan to receive help from the church or Christian organisations, will come forward to the office of the exco member for Islamic affairs to be registered so that assistance can be channelled out immediately,” Hasan said in a statement.

This is the first statement from Hasan after nearly three weeks of silence since stating his support for a controversial “inspection” by Selangor Religious Affairs Department (Jais) officers on a multi-racial thanksgiving dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Centre (DUMC) in Petaling Jaya last Aug 3.

Just moments after Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim issued a statement expressing his “regret” over the incident, Hasan sent out a statement of his own to support Jais’ actions, claiming that they have proof of proselytisation of Muslims.

 

azlan Several days later after coming under fire from Pakatan colleagues and leaders from his own party, PAS, Hasan told Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia that he was ready to step down if need be.

In his latest statement, Hasan said that Muslims who face a hard life are found to be exposed to risks of leaving the faith to achieve a better standard of life for themselves and their families.

Through the new unit, he expressed hope that it would help “those involved” to get help and pledged that his office will do all it can to ease the burden of fellow Muslims to “avoid their falling into the trap of apostasy”.

For more information on the unit, contact the exco office at 03-5544 7104 / 7105 (office hours) or Wildanul Syukri at 012-95 25 247, Al-Hafiz Wahab (013-29 50 149) or Nadzril Beedin (012-33 44 543) after office hours.

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