Penang police have set up a special team to investigate the alleged use of the chief minister's name instead of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's in the "doa" (prayer) during the Friday sermon at certain mosques in the state.

penang crime police lim guan eng event pc 260908 ayub yaakob State police chief Ayub Yaakob said today the police were acting on

two reports, made at the Butterworth and Tasek Gelugor police stations, and hoped to complete their investigation next week.

"So far, we have called 15 people to help in the investigation," he said, adding that several personalities would be asked to assist as well.

On Thursday, Umno vice-president and Penang Umno Liaison Committee chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's name was switched with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's name in the "doa" at several mosques in the Tasek Gelugor, Permatang Pauh and Jelutong areas.

NONE Ayub said police were conducting the investigation under the Sedition Act.

He said the first incident was said to have occurred in June at the Padang Menora Jamek Mosque in Tasek Gelugor during the sermon delivered by a guest "khatib" (mosque official).

The latest incident was said to have occurred on Aug 20 at the Kubang Buaya Mosque in Butterworth where the same mosque official delivered the semon, he said.

"Statements recorded from several witnesses confirmed that the incidents took place, and we are going ahead with the investigation," he said.

- Bernama