Political Party Legislative Candidates Participate In The Distribution Of Zakat In Sindangbarang, MUI Calls Cianjur Baznas To Ask For Clarification

A number of political party figures in Cianjur, West Java, are suspected of riding in zakat distribution activities held by Baznas (Photo VIA ANTARA)

CIANJUR - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Cianjur, West Java, will summon the head of the Cianjur Baznas, who admits that the distribution of zakat in the southern region of the district is carried by political parties.

Chairman of the MUI Cianjur Abdul Rauf said the summons to the Chairman of the Cianjur Baznas was immediately carried out as an effort to reprimand and warn so that the distribution of zakat did not involve political party leaders who could create unrest in the community.

"This clearly violates the legislation related to Baznas and their duties must be in accordance with the law. In fact, before they were sworn in, we warned them not to take the wrong steps because they are trusted to manage people's funds, but this is an incident," he said in Cianjur, Antara, Sunday, February 20.

His party will immediately ask for clarification on the zakat distribution incident involving a number of people from political parties. MUI ensures that the distribution carried out is guaranteed in accordance with the provisions for those who are entitled.

"I ask Baznas officers to work according to the rules, so that there are no mistakes, including silence on the involvement of political parties in the distribution of zakat, because this will have a broad impact on people's trust in distributing their zakat," said Abdul Rauf.

Chairman of Baznas Cianjur Tata said that the activities of Baznas Cianjur in Sindangbarang District, some time ago, were indeed attended by several members of political parties. However, his party did not know the initial process until it was attended by political figures.

"This is indeed the Cianjur Baznas agenda for zakat recipients in Sindangbarang District, but I don't know if there are political figures who take part in it. I admit that the zakat distribution activities are carried out, but I don't know if political figures participate in the event," he said.

Previously, a number of photos and videos related to the distribution of zakat in Sindangbarang District became the talk of the community because the distribution of zakat or social assistance from the Cianjur Baznas was allegedly politicized, because a number of political figures were also present.

The allegation of the politicization of zakat emerged after a photo showed several political figures, who were also candidates for the legislature from one of the political parties, attending and handing over social assistance packages from community funds to residents of Saganten Village, Sindangbarang District.

Present at the event were the Sindangbarang Sub-district Head and the Head of Baznas Cianjur Tata.