The role of non-Muslims in the government will only be confined to those not related to policy making in an Islamic state, Terengganu Menteri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang said in Penang today.

He said this was due to the fact that ministers involved in policy making must adopt the ideology of the ruling government.

"Just like in the United States, when the Republican wins, the US president is a Republican," he told the 100-odd participants who attended a lunch date with the menteri besar in Hotel Grand Continental.

"Likewise, in an Islamic state, the leaders must be those who are Muslims. This is common throughout the world," he added.

Abdul Hadi, known as a firebrand, is acting PAS president since the death of former president, Fadzil Noor, who is noted as a more moderate leader.

The Marang state assembly representative is currently making his rounds, meeting people, especially Chinese opposition leaders and non-governmental organisations, to explain his hardline policies.