Penang PAS Youth has urged state executive councillor Abdul Malik Abul Kassim to vacate his appointed position as the president of the Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) immediately.

This is to make way for Salleh Man to take up the position, as promised by Pakatan Rakyat during the Permatang Pasir by-election, where the former was voted in as the sole PAS assemblyperson in Penang.

NONE State PAS Youth secretary Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden ( right ) said Abdul Malik should vacate the position “in whatever manner possible”, either by resigning or rejecting the position while waiting for the Agong to appoint Salleh.

“This action is appropriate to show that the state government is responsible for the mistake which it had admitted doing,” said Afnan Hamimi in a statement.

“This action will add to the people’s confidence and trust towards Pakatan Rakyat’s pledge in Permatang Pasir,” he added.

“This would also improve Abdul Malik's image as state exco member in charge of religious affairs, and this would also improve Pakatan’s image at the same time,” he stressed.

Afnan was referring to Deputy Chief Minister Mansor Othman’s statement yesterday that the appointment of MAIPP’s president should not be politicised.

mansor othman interview 300409 Mansor ( left ) clarified that the state government had submitted a letter to the Agong about the state’s  decision to acknowledge Salleh as the president of MAIPP on Jan 20.

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

He also explained that confusion arose when the appointment letter from the palace stated Abdul Malik has been appointed as the president of MAIPP.

Mansor then said the state is appealing the Agong’s decision and would allow Salleh to chair the first MAIPP meeting this month.

Penang CAT principles in action

Meanwhile, Afnan expressed gratitude over the state government’s ability to acknowledge its mistakes, as this is a clear proof of its ‘CAT - competency, accountability and transparency’ principles in action.

“It’s not merely talk but practise even though sometimes, the outcome can be bitter. But it is in line with Islam, a religion that requires us to acknowledge our mistakes and ask forgiveness for the wrongs we have done,” Afnan said.

“Pakatan’s style of leadership proves that it is a hundred times better than that of the BN government, which never apologised for its mistakes, even though they have ruled the country for over 50 years,” he added.