A six month delay in renewing practising certificates for syariah lawyers has put the Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) under the spotlight once again.

In a report on June 24, Utusan Malaysia quoted the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association complaining that the delay may cause problems for affected lawyers.

NONE But for Penang exco in charge of religious affairs Abdul Malik Kassim (right) , the allegation was yet another attempt by Umno to tarnish the state government and MAIPP.

He said the idea was to create the perception that the MAIPP and Pakatan Rakyat were incompetent in handling religious matters.

"We are willing to receive criticisms but cannot accept the slanderous culture of Umno," Abdul Malik told a press conference yesterday.

Abdul Malik is the acting head of MAIPP since January. The practising certicates are signed by the MAIPP president.

Delay not serious

Although there is a delay in issuing the certificates, Abdul Malik stressed that it did not cause problems for lawyers who are still able to practice.

"Cases have been going on as usual and there had also been delay in certificates being issued during BN's time, some up to (nine months)," he said.

Abdul Malik claimed that the recent attacks against MAIPP was likely due to Umno’s jealousy of Pakatan’s contributions towards the development of Islam in Penang.

"Umno is just envious that Pakatan manages to provide a 3.49 acre land for the construction of a RM72 million Syariah Court building along Scotland Road, as BN and Umno failed to do this during their adminstration" he added.

The state government is attempting to make Penang PAS comissioner and Permatang Pasir assemblyperson Salleh Man the MAIPP president.

They are currently waiting for a reply from the Yang Di-pertuan Agong on the matter.