Zulkifli urges Islamic NGOs to reform governance, regain public trust

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan said issues pertaining to fund mismanagement and weak governance in several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) call for comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence.

According to him, the erosion of public trust in NGOs due to certain past incidents has posed a crucial challenge in facing civil society today.

“Previously, the public had great confidence in NGOs. But when specific cases emerged, this trust, including in Islamic NGOs, was undermined.

“It is our shared responsibility, both at the government and civil society levels, to restore this core confidence so that we can secure support from the public, both domestically and internationally,” he said.

Bernama reported, he said that during his speech at the launch of the Islamic NGO Capacity Development Engagement Programme in Putrajaya, yesterday.

While many Malaysians remain generous and supportive of Islamic charitable causes, recent investigations by authorities into NGOs exploiting religion for personal gain have eroded confidence, making donors more cautious. (credit photo: India TV News)

Zulkifli said the government is working with related organisations to help Islamic NGOs strengthen their governance as well as professionalism to levels comparable with international NGOs.

The move is led by the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), alongside the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) and other religious agencies.

The minister said, the efforts include targeted reform initiatives such as capacity-building programmes focusing on public fund management and overall financial administration.

According to Bernama, he said the current approach is voluntary, non-coercive– including on audits – and emphasises on best practices to restore public confidence in how NGOs manage funds.

The programme, organised by YADIM, was attended by more than 200 Islamic NGO representatives from across the country and aligns with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration which emphasises humanity, wellbeing and integrity-based governance.