Inaction From Mufti Means No Issues Says Pn On Credential Row

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AYER KUNING POLLS | An apparent lack of action from the Perak Mufti Department over claims against Perikatan Nasional's candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election should be enough to silence critics, said a PAS lawmaker.
Parit Buntar MP Misbahul Munir Masduki pointed out that the department would have initiated certain measures by now if it believed that the candidate, Abd Muhaimin Malek, had committed any wrongdoing.
Misbahul (above) said this in response to persistent allegations that Muhaimin had misled state religious authorities to obtain his credentials (tauliah) to teach and preach Islam.
"If there really is a requirement (on politically involved individuals relinquishing their religious credentials), then why hasn't the Mufti Department withdrawn (Muhaimin's) tauliah?" Misbahul questioned.
"I'm sure the department would have investigated (the allegations) as it is under the Madani government.
"If they wanted to restrict (Muhaimin), they would have gone through the processes," he added.
PN’s aspirant Abd Muhaimin MalekAddressing a press conference at PN's operations centre in Bidor, Misbahul noted that Muhaimin had not faced any issues when he applied to renew his credentials with the department.
However, the PN campaign manager for the by-election said he was unsure when the application had been made and approved.
He added that the state department had advised Muhaimin, who is also the Tapah PN chief, to refrain from delivering religious lectures or talks in mosques and surau.
Appreciate the publicity
PAS Youth information chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi Azhar, who was also present at the press conference, sarcastically thanked those harping on the issue.
He said it had drawn the attention of Muhaimin's friends, including well-known religious scholars, who had then publicly posted positive messages about his capabilities as an ustaz.
PAS Youth info chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi Azhar"It's a cheap political tactic (to attack Muhaimin's credentials), but thank you for helping (to boost the image of) PN's candidate," he added.
Yesterday, Perak police spokesperson Zaharudin Rasip confirmed that Muhaimin holds valid religious teaching credentials.
He said the case would be referred to the Perak Islamic Religious Council as the police will not be investigating the matter.
Muhaimin has yet to comment on the allegations directly, instead claiming that PN will address the matter "if the time comes".
Amanah leader raises alarm
Earlier, Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi raised concerns over allegations that Muhaimin had deceived state religious authorities to obtain credentials to become an ustaz.
The former Manjoi assemblyperson said regulations prohibit individuals holding political positions or contesting in elections from obtaining religious accreditation, which is handled by the state mufti department.
Final approval over the credential is granted only with the consent of the state's sultan.
Ayer Kuning voters are set to head to the polls on April 26, with early voting scheduled to take place on April 22.
Muhaimin is part of a three-cornered battle for the state seat under the Tapah parliamentary constituency.
His contenders are PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS and Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir. - Mkini

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