KUALA LUMPUR – The son of the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, is eligible to receive the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council’s (MAIWP) special incentive scholarship scheme for excellent students going abroad in accordance with MAIWP’s policies and standard operating procedures (SOP).
According to MAIWP, Abdul Syakur, who obtained 8As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, is a graduate of the Al-’Abaqirah Modern Islamic School under MAIWP.
The scholarship award was decided during the MAIWP Scholarship Scheme Recipient Selection Panel Meeting on September 11.
“Based on our review, the applicant has been classified as a ‘Fisabilillah’ recipient with an income exceeding the Kifayah limit rate, which is the minimum rate of basic requirements of the cost of living of an individual or a family.
“Zulkifli only receives a pension and has resigned from all his positions, including chairman of the board of directors at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. This aligns with the Kifayah excess criteria established for Fisabilillah recipients,” MAIWP added.
Questions had previously been raised over Abdul Syakur’s scholarship and his eligibility, as he is a former minister’s son and allegedly has a financial advantage compared to other candidates.
MAIWP clarified that the definition of Fisabilillah recipients, as endorsed during the Federal Territory Syarak Laws Consultative Committee Meeting on March 4, 2021, pertains to any individuals or organisations engaged in efforts to support, protect, and preach Islam.
The scholarship assistance is one of the 30 schemes under the MAIWP Zakat Assistance Scheme Policy, which has been in effect since its was approved during the 150th Federal Territory Syarak Laws Consultative Committee meeting on January 15, 2020, and the MAIWP meeting on January 18, 2020, the council added added.
It was also confirmed under the SOP for the MAIWP Zakat Assistance Scheme, which was approved during the MAIWP management meeting on December 22, 2020. – September 24, 2023