The issue of alleged mismanagement of zakat (tithe) aid for students student overseas, by the Johor Islamic Council (MAIJ) continues to be a thorn in its side.

In the latest development, a student who is studying in Egypt claims that he and three other students were denied the zakat aid because they raised the PAS flag in the 13th general election.

Muhammad Syuaib Sangkrah claims that this led to MAIJ freezing the aid, even though they met the criteria.

"The picture of us raising the PAS flag was uploaded onto a social networking site in support of PAS, but it was exploited by irresponsible quarters who even edited the caption," he said.

The new caption, he said, left the impression that they were against Johor monarchy.

Malaysiakini has contacted MAIJ and is awaiting its response.

Last week PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat (right) claimed that Johor-born students seeking zakat aid were asked to state their political stance during an interview.

He claimed that eight students were asked if they prefer Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak or PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

He alleged that the students were also asked if they prefer Umno, PAS or PKR.

On Oct 2, MAIJ told denied claims that the students failed to receive zakat aid because of inefficient management by MAIJ.

MAIJ Islamic affairs assistant Raja Azhar Raja Ariff told Malaysiakini that students who did not receive aid because they did not meet the set criteria.

NADIA OTHMAN is a trainee reporter at Malaysiakini .