GEORGE TOWN: It is unacceptable that there is poverty in states that have large zakat (tithe) collections, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Zakat is not about revenue for a country – it is an institution related to poverty.
"I cannot accept that while states are collecting large zakat revenues, pockets of hardcore poor still remain. Zakat collections in all states must be fully utilised to eradicate poverty.
"Zakat should not be seen as an ordinary institution because it is not only closely related to the issue of national income but as an institution linked to poverty.
"I cannot accept the statements of states (that) can collect large funds but there are still people in the extreme poor group;" he said in his speech during the Penang International Zakat Conference (Zapicon 2024) at Universiti Sains Malaysia in George Town, Penang on Friday (Feb 16).
Anwar said zakat management is closely related to governance because with good governance, zakat can be managed well.
"I cannot tolerate the abuse of power when one uses their position to enrich themselves and their families.
"I find it strange to think that some people think it (abuse) is not important.
"Every sen used from the money collected in the name of zakat must be accounted for," he said.
Anwar said when he became prime minister more than a year ago that any hardcore poor remaining in Kuala Lumpur should receive zakat benefits, aside from other initiatives by the government.
"To close the gap between the low- and high-income groups, zakat must ensure that the low- income group is given access to facilities and technological advances to be able to compete.
"In managing zakat, they must think about reducing the gap between the low- and high-income groups.
"Zakat is more than an economic and social agenda, it is an Islamic religious spiritual agenda," he said.
Anwar said he received reports from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka that they have almost fully resolved the poverty issue.
"If this is true, then zakat funds can be used for other purposes such as funding weddings for young couples.
"I still have not received a report from Penang but poverty should have been eradicated here as it has a low number of hard-core poor," he said.
