Following weeks of speculation, Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman has finally broken his silence over who will be appointed to the post of Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) president.

In a press conference today, Mansor said the issue of who would be appointed to the post should not be used as “political capital” by certain quarters.

Although the 13th general election is drawing near, Mansor added that these quarters should not sensationalise the issue, especially when it concerns religion.

“The issue should not be sensationalised until it creates a situation of uncertainty and suspicion about religious matters,” Mansor said.

NONE Mansor then clarified what really had transpired, saying that on Jan 20, the Penang government had submitted a letter to the Agong about the state’s  decision to acknowledge state PAS commissioner Salleh Man ( left ) as the president of MAIPP.

The appointment, according to the Penanti assemblyperson, would be for two years starting Jan 1, and is in line with Section 11 (1) of the Penang Islamic Administration Enactment 2004.

“Confusion arose when the appointment letter from the palace stated that state exco member Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has been appointed as the president of MAIPP,” he said.

“However, the state government is still appealing to His Majesty the Agong over the issue,” he added.

In February, Malaysiakini reported that the Agong has decided to appoint Abdul Malik, the Batu Maung assemblyperson,  as the new president of the council.

Abdul Malik had been coy about the issue, only saying that the state government would make an announcement at the appropriate time.

The news had created waves in Pakatan Rakyat as PAS has been hopeful that the post would go to its representative since the coalition took over the state leadership in 2008.

PAS, which has only one representative in the Penang legislative assembly, has been trying to secure the position, left vacant since Jan 1.

Palace too busy to grant an audience

Meanwhile, Mansor said a letter has been sent to the palace to request for a meeting with His Majesty.

But the palace has replied that it cannot grant the Penang officials an audience as His Majesty was occupied with the recent installation of the new Agong.

“At the same time, the state government is aware that MAIPP needs to convene its first meeting within three months of the appointment of its president,” said Mansor.

“Therefore, the council will convene a meeting tomorrow,” he added.

Mansor said as the state government awaits the appeal that it has forwarded to the Agong, Salleh, who is also Permatang Pasir assemblyperson, will chair the first MAIPP meeting.

“This is in accordance with the pledge made by Pakatan Rakyat at the last Permatang Pasir by-election in August 2009, after which Salleh won the seat,” he added.