The practice of political appointments institutions which deal with public funds goes against the principles of good governance, Islamic scholar Maszlee Malik said.

The lecturer in Islamic jurisprudence said this following the exposé on alleged nepotism in government-linked charitable foundation Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim).

"Political patronage must end as it is inconsistent with the expectations of society today.

"Administrators, directors and managers of institutions which deal with public funds must be qualified and clear from political interference," he said.

He said the appointment of politicians or political retirees only heightened perception of corruption and is inconsistent with good governance and transparency standards.

PKR-linked National Oversight and Whistleblowers Centre (NOW) had revealed that a Kelantan Umno leader and her family are earning about RM2 million yearly through various appointments in Yapeim and its companies.

The government-linked foundation under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department owns and manages the retail Islamic finance firm Ar Rahnu.

NOW also exposed invoices showing that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and his wife shopped and golfed in the United States last year on a trip sponsored by Yapeim.

Jamil Khir said the claim was malicious as it was an official trip organised by several foundations under his purview and the Malaysian High Commission, where he attended various programmes.

Yapeim said it was ready to be investigated, while the Kelantan Umno leader has refused to respond to multiple requests for comment.