Hazman Hassan, director of JAIPS, the state religious department, said the organisation’s constant postings about its charitable activities had made the state government agencies appear to be not doing their work in looking after the poor.

However, he denied that Perlis Hope’s postings had made JAIP staff become envious of the social work being done.

Hazman’s remarks were made in testimony to an inquiry by the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) into the disappearance of activist Amri Che Mat, who co-founded Perlis Hope. He has been missing since November 2016.

At earlier hearings, the inquiry was told about concerns about the organisation and Shia Islam.

Hazman said some of the comments by members of the public included such remarks as “JAIPS only knows how to collect zakat but not distribute it”.

There were also social media postings that seemed to be preaching Shia Islam.

“One of the posts read that doing charity protects one on unlucky days. Sunni Muslims don’t believe in unlucky days. All days are blessings as far as Sunnis are concerned,” he said.

Hazman also denied that Perlis Hope’s posts on their charitable work had caused members of JAIPS to be envious.

“Not jealous… Only concerned whether they caused unrest among the public towards state government agencies,” he said.

The Suhakam inquiry is also investigating the disappearance of Pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife, Ruth. The couple were last seen on Nov 30, 2016.

The inquiry had also included the case of Pastor Raymond Koh, missing since February last year after he was abducted by some 10 men in Petaling Jaya.

The inquiry could not continue with Koh’s case after a suspect was charged with kidnapping the pastor.

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