The G25 group of eminent Malays plans to conduct an audit on the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and how it spends its money.

G25 said the federal agency that has been highly criticised of late must play its role in affirming the role of Islam in Malaysia, "while at the same time ensuring that Jakim does not intrude into the private lives of Muslims".

This comes after police started investigating G25 member Tawfik Ismail for calling for Jakim's abolition .

"As Jakim’s activities are financed by Malaysian taxpayers, it is important for the public to know how their money is spent. This is one of the reasons why G25 is undertaking this study.

"We hope to share our findings and recommendations with the government and the public," G25 said in a statement yesterday.

In response to Tawfik, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Tawfik was just being nostalgic of the time when Malays drank whisky.