ABIM calls for urgent reforms in Muslim fund management, proposing a dedicated oversight body and technological tracking to prevent misuse and restore public trust.
KUALA LUMPUR: Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) has called for urgent systemic reforms in the management of Muslim funds. The organisation emphasised the need to expedite the establishment of a dedicated oversight body like a Charity Commission Malaysia.
ABIM president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said such steps are vital to ensure charities operate with the highest transparency and integrity. He stated the oversight body must be backed by technology to track fund flows and more consistent audits.
“ABIM takes seriously reports of arrests linked to alleged large-scale zakat fund misuse,” he said in a statement. He warned these developments signal deeper flaws in managing public trusts and community funds.
“Flaws in internal controls, patchy oversight and inconsistent standards leave the door open to abuse. Fail to fix them, and these risks will keep recurring,” he added. Ahmad Fahmi suggested aligning cross-state fundraising with clearer, uniform guidelines.
He stressed that gazetting and consistent monitoring are about protecting public trust. The goal is to ensure aid reaches those who genuinely need it.
“Managing community funds like zakat isn’t just about money, it’s about trust and the lives of those in need,” he said. He argued that when funds leak, the harm hits public confidence and the intended beneficiaries.
“Integrity goes beyond ticking procedural boxes; it’s about core values and responsibility,” Ahmad Fahmi stated. He called for strengthening a culture of trust and accountability at every level of fund management.
He also reaffirmed ABIM’s full support for authorities’ investigations to ensure justice is upheld. All parties should be given space for transparent and professional investigations, he said.
“But if misuse is proven, firm action must follow, as it involves public trust that cannot be taken lightly,” he added. ABIM remains committed to transparent and accountable governance in all charity work.
The group asserts that public trust is the bedrock of humanitarian efforts and must be protected with complete integrity.
