An Indian-origin Muslim leader has become the president of Australia's apex Islamic body.
Ikebal Patel was elected president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils at a special congress in Sydney on Sunday, five months after the council's executive committee was suspended amid claims of software piracy.
"With this election, a new chapter of inclusiveness has opened for the Australian Muslim community to join the peak national body," Patel said in a statement.
Patel was instrumental in securing the release of Australian hostage Douglas Wood after he was kidnapped in Iraq in 2005.
Last year, Patel accused AFIC of uploading illegal software onto its computer system and other illegalities.
But AFIC dismissed his claims at the time as sour grapes because he had missed out on the presidency.
Other office bearers elected included Marian Siti A Kawi of Christmas Island (vice president) and NSW Muslim Ashraf Usman Ali (secretary), the AAP reported.
Adnan Sert of South Australia is the new treasurer, while Mohammad Harun Abdullah of Tasmania is assistant secretary and Hafez Malas of NSW is assistant treasurer.
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