PAS’s Salleh to head Penang religious council if he wins by-election

(Bernama) – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) presidency will be given to PAS if Mohd Salleh Man wins the Permatang Pasir by-election.

Anwar, who is also the MP for Permatang Pauh, said he had consulted Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on the matter before making the decision.

Usually, the post was held by the ruling party in the state, he told reporters, adding that it was currently held by Permatang Berangan assemblyman Shabudin Yahya but his term would expire in two months.

"We will propose Mohd Salleh as MAIPP president to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after Shabudin's term expires," he said.

The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent assemblyman Datuk Mohd Hamdan Abdul Rahman from PAS on July 31.

The by-election on Tuesday will see a straight fight between Penang PAS commissioner Mohd Salleh, 52, and Permatang Pauh Umno division secretary Rohaizat Othman, 38.

Meanwhile, on developments involving Lunas assemblyman Mohd Radzhi Salleh, the PKR de facto leader denied rumours that more Kedah assemblyman would be following Radzhi's footsteps.

He said it was not surprising that Radzhi had quit the party, citing his loss of confidence in the PKR leadership, as the latter had been facing a lot of problems and was under pressure lately.

"Although he is trying to convince his fellow assemblymen to quit the party, I am confident that would not happen," he said.

Anwar said he had received many complaints lately about Radzhi's disciplinary problems, mismanagement of claims and marital problems.