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PENANG Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid has initiated legal proceedings against four individuals over statements he described as defamatory allegations involving the management of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) and its zakat administration.
Mohamad, who also serves as president of MAINPP, firmly rejected claims suggesting abuse of power or mismanagement within the council and Zakat MAINPP, saying the accusations were deliberately raised with malicious intent.
He said the allegations directed at him, MAINPP and Zakat MAINPP were unfounded and constituted clear defamation aimed at shaping negative public perceptions for political purposes.
“This action has not only caused confusion but has also tarnished the reputation and credibility of the Islamic religious institutions in the state of Penang.
“To defend the reputation and integrity of these institutions, I personally, together with MAINPP and Zakat MAINPP, have initiated the process of legal action against those who spread these defamatory statements.
“I will take further action to defend the dignity and authority of the state’s main religious institutions from being manipulated for certain political agendas,” he told a press conference in George Town today.
His lawyer, Datuk Habib Rahman Seeni Mohideen, said letters of demand had been issued to four individuals: Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard; Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan; Penang PAS Youth deputy chief Muhammad Hafiz Alias; and Penaga state assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah.
Habib said the four were required to immediately cease distributing or publishing materials containing defamatory statements, issue a public apology and provide a written undertaking not to repeat or republish the allegations.
“We have given them seven days to comply with the demands, failing which we will proceed with court action,” he said.
He added that the legal team is also identifying other parties believed to have spread the alleged defamatory statements.
According to him, further legal action may be taken in a second phase against individuals or organisations involved in writing, publishing or sharing the claims across various platforms.
“We are currently verifying identities as some individuals are using pseudonyms while others appear to be hiding behind unregistered non-governmental organisations. We are in the process of identifying those involved,” he said.
Previously, Chegubard shared a statement by PETA coordinator Azam Melaka alleging misuse of zakat funds in a state.
Following the claims, the Penang branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an investigation into alleged abuse of power involving a senior state government official related to a land purchase using zakat funds.
The probe was also initiated after the matter was raised by a state assemblyman during a Penang state legislative assembly sitting late last year. - March 13, 2026