Son of ex-minister Zulkifli met requirements for scholarship, says FT religious council

KUALA LUMPUR: The son of former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (religious affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri (pic), is eligible to receive the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council’s special incentive scholarship scheme for excellent students going abroad in accordance with its policies and standard operating procedures (SOP).

According to the council, Abdul Syakur, obtained 8As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination and is a graduate of the Pondok Moden Al-‘Abaqirah (Al-‘Abaqirah Modern Islamic School) under them.

The decision to award Abdul Syakur a scholarship was made during the council’s scholarship scheme recipient selection panel meeting on Sept 11.

They said the applicant was classified as a “fisabilillah recipient” after meeting the requirements.

“Zulkifli only receives a pension and has resigned from all his positions, including chairman of the board of directors at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia,” added the council.

Questions had previously been raised over Abdul Syakur’s scholarship as he is a former minister’s son and is allegedly better off financially compared to other candidates.

The council said that the definition of “fisabilillah recipients”, endorsed during the Federal Territory syarak laws consultative committee meeting on March 4, 2021, pertains to any individuals or organisations involved in efforts to support, protect and preach Islam.

The scholarship is one of the 30 schemes under the council’s zakat assistance scheme policy, which has been in effect since it was approved during the 150th Federal Territory syarak laws consultative committee meeting on Jan 15, 2020, and the council’s meeting on Jan 18, 2020, it added.

It was also confirmed under the SOP for its zakat assistance scheme, which was approved during the council’s management meeting on Dec 22, 2020. – Bernama