Commenting on a recent statement by a deputy minister, Amanah Secretary-General Anuar Tahir today denounced what he called “selectivity” in the provision of financial aid.
Last Saturday, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki acknowledged that the government had been giving financial support to several Muslim groups, including Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), which many regard as extremist.
Speaking at a press conference here, Anuar said all establishments had equal rights to financial aid from the ruling government, but he added that he was curious that Isma had benefited from Putrajaya’s aid programme.
“Why ISMA? This is something that needs to be looked into,” he said. “The government must ensure that it doesn’t get to the point where it helps groups that aim to divide the people.”
He said financial support should be given without discriminating between Muslim and non-Muslim organisations and Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera groups.
He also pointed out that governments in other democratic countries would give financial aid even to political parties.
“When Pakatan Harapan takes control of Putrajaya, we will ensure to be fair to all groups and parties, including Barisan Nasional and Umno,” he said.