An NGO representing Chinese Muslims said it has no knowledge of an alleged syndicate using Muslim converts to abuse zakat aid.

This comes after the claim made by Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Council Baitulmal deputy manager Ahmad Tarmizi Yahya yesterday when justifying red tape in the disbursement of zakat.

"I have never come across such a case. Muslim converts who seek aid from Baitulmal are poor, and only some of them actually receive the aid.

"Baitulmal's duty is to disburse the aid when it is sought because it must be rightfully disbursed. What the recipient does with the money is between him and Allah.

"Do you know anyone who seeks aid and gives it to someone else? When you're in a desperate position yourself, why would you be willing to give it to someone else?" said Chinese Muslim Malaysia Association's Malacca chapter chairperson Lim Jooi Soon.

Lim (photo, above) added that many converts in need of aid failed to secure assistance due to the bureaucratic red tape.

By right, he said, Baitulmal should seek out those in need, not wait for applications for assistance.

"We are quick to collect zakat... so we should seek those in need because the funds are for them.

"Some have to wait six months, a year, because they have to wait for several rounds of meetings before the application is approved.

"Then they have to wait for a festivity, for a ceremony graced by a minister or an elected representative, or the next Hari Raya, for the aid to be disbursed," said Lim.

'Zakat aid is the right of converts'

Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement's (Abim) outreach centre representative Normah Sulaiman, too, said it is the first time she is hearing of such a syndicate.

Normah said no such thing happened with Abim, which also has difficulties obtaining aid from Baitulmal.

"By right, zakat aid is the right of the converts, so we should help them to get their rights," she said, and urged Baitulmal to reveal how it disburses the funds.

She said assistance for new converts should not just stop at financial aid, but also helping them gain deeper knowledge about Islam.

"For us, it is more important to impart knowledge. We also assist them when they come to find out more about Islam, by reimbursing their transportation expenses, and sometimes providing a little food as well," Normah added.