Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's frequent use of an Arabic verse from the Al-Quran as a term of reference in his governance of the state does not violate Islamic religious ethics.

Indeed, in defending his boss, Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin said that Lim's frequent use of the term ‘Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Mungkar' (Enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil) was something Muslims should be proud of.

mohammad fairuz khairuddin mohammad fairus khairuddin "When a non-Muslim chief minister uses an Islamic verse as a term of reference for good governance, it augurs well for the religion," he told newsmen at the state legislative assembly lobby today.

He also argued that Lim had not violated religious sensitivities by uttering the Arabic verse as he was not quoting it in a religious context.

"The chief minister was merely using the term as an Arabic term of reference to good governance, not as a quote from the Al-Quran," he said when asked about the criticism heaped on Lim by Umno assemblypersons for using the term at the on-going sitting.

hilmi yahya On Monday, Dr Hilmi Yahaya (Umno-Teluk Bahang) cast aspersions on Lim's frequent use of the term. He also chided the chief minister for wrongly spelling the word ‘Amar' as ‘Amal' in Hari Raya greeting banners across the state.

Matter clarified with state mufti

The Umno assemblyperson also questioned whether Lim was qualified to use such Islamic verses as terms of reference for his governance of the state.

"These are Islamic verses from the Al-Quran, which are only meant for Muslims. Can the chief minister use such verses?" he asked, calling on Islamic religious authorities to clarify the issue.

To this, Mohammad Fairus, who is in charge of the state's religious affairs, entrepreneurial and co-operative development, information and community relations, said, "We have clarified this matter with the state mufti and he said there is nothing wrong with the chief minister using it as a term of governance."

lim guan eng Lim has frequently used the verse in his speeches, including during a debate on land scams with former chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon in August.