Society should be wary against being easily influenced and confused by certain quarters to put Islamic-based agencies in a bad light, as had befallen Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom, of late.

Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the latest allegation showed there were parties unhappy with government efforts to empower Islamic-based institutions which were implemented, via related agencies.

He said in the latest example, some quarters accused Jamil Khir (whose portfolio involves being in charge of religious affairs) of using funds contributed by the people, or money for orphans, to be spent abroad.

However, he said the claim was refuted by Jamil Khir, who had taken legal action against those making the allegation.

Tengku Adnan was speaking to reporters after opening the 2015 Tithe Carnival organised by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Tithe Collection Centre (PPZ) at Dataran Putra in Putrajaya today.

Yesterday, Jamil Khir, in a media statement, denied the allegation that he had misused proceeds from the contributions of the people to finance his trip abroad, and regarded the accusation by National Oversight and Whistleblowers director Akmal Nasir as a mischievous statement which was libellous and deviated from the truth.

Akmal, and The Malaysian Insider which reported the statement, were also urged to withdraw the claim and slander made, and tender an open apology within 24 hours.

Earlier in his speech, Tengku Adnan drew attention to the fact that despite being a small country, Malaysia which was administered by the BN government, practised Islamic-based administration which among others, involved pioneering the Islamic banking concept, setting up an Islamic university and introducing an efficient tithe management method as implemented by PPZ.

- Bernama