GEORGE TOWN: The debate over who should assume the Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) president's post has taken another twist with state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim apparently resigning from the post.
While Abdul Malik himself refused to comment on the matter, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman yesterday confirmed that he had stepped down.
Mansor, however, did not reveal the circumstances behind Abdul Malik's departure.
The issue over who should fill the MAIPP presidency here has continued unabatedly since January, when former university lecturer Ellias Zakaria declined to continue holding the post.
It is learnt that the state government is now awaiting the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's consent to appoint the state's proposed candidate MAIPP deputy president Datuk Mohd Salleh Man.
Initially, Abdul Malik was proposed but the state had a sudden change of heart and recommended Mohd Salleh instead.
State Umno liaison committee member Muhammad Farid Saad said the issue reflected inexperience on the part of the state government in handling policy matters.
“I had a word recently with Mohd Salleh and he mentioned that he had no idea (who would be appointed to the post),” he claimed.
“This is unbecoming of the state, which ignored the protocol involved in dealing with the palace. I hope the state government will resolve the matter soon.”
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