The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) is ready to enlighten state assemblypersons on appointments of senior officers, and its administration and jurisdiction.

Its chairperson, Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa, said all matters pertaining to Mais’ affairs, which included the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS), were decreed and consented to by Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Commenting on a news portal report entitled ‘Mais now has free hand over zakat (tithes)’, Mohamad Adzib said the posting had cast confusion over the management of tithes in Selangor.

“The report carries comments from assemblypersons on amendments to several provisions under the Religious Administration Enactment (Selangor) 2003, which were approved in July and gazetted on Aug 25, that included the appointment of the Mais secretary and distribution of tithes,” he said.

Mohamad Adzib said Section 16 of the enactment allowed the ruler “on the advice of Mais” to appoint the council’s secretary, and is no longer automatically assumed by the Jais director.

On tithe management, he said under amendment to Section 86 of Act, Mais was not only authorised to collect tithes but also distribute the monies in the state.

He said Mais’ annual financial report, which is consolidated with agencies under its ambit, including LZS, is submitted to the Auditor-General’s Office since 1997.

On mosque and surau administration, he said although they were built by the state government, they came under Mais’ jurisdiction to protect their sanctity while their maintenance were borne by Mais, thus easing the state’s financial burden.

- Bernama