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Saturday December 11, 2004

Ugly women get less aid, Islamic Council rapped for not being fair

BY SIRA HABIBU

PENANG: Auditor-General Tan Sri Dr Hadenan Abdul Jalil has chided the state Islamic Religious Council for not being fair to less attractive single mothers when giving out monetary aid.

Pointing out that there were discrepancies in the distribution of the Fisabilillah (meant for the needy) fund, he said attractive women were given a larger share while some older single mothers were not even included in the list of recipients.

“This is what happens if clear and comprehensive guidelines are not imposed.

“People will do as they wish,'' he said at a luncheon at the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) office in Komtar yesterday.

Calling on the council to re-examine its guidelines on the distribution of the fund, Dr Hadenan said it was the responsibility of the management of the council to impose clear guidelines to check such discrepancies.

Hecommended the MPPP for earning a “clean auditing” certificate.

“The MPPP accounts are up-to-date. There are some local authorities who have yet to submit their financial statements,'' he said, adding that sound financial management required 100% commitment.

“An organisation will be well-managed if all parties adopt the responsibility culture,'' he said, adding that problems arose because of irresponsible attitudes.

He also described as serious third party attempts to obstruct the local authorities from discharging their duties.

MPPP president Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said stringent enforcement action must be taken to maintain public health, cleanliness and traffic congestion.

“I want councillors to streamline the guidelines and review policies to provide better services to the public,'' he said.

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