Police officers will be “permanently stationed” with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and state religious departments to assist them, said Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.

Star Online quoted him as saying that the number of officers involved and duration of the secondment are still being discussed.

He said this when clarifying media reports that a special Syariah police unit is to be set up.

“ There will not be a special Syariah police unit. Instead of assisting the departments on an ad hoc basis, the police are planning to station officers there permanently,” he reportedly said today.

If the departments request further assistance from the police, it will be provided, he said.

“The exact number of police personnel to be deployed and how long they will be (stationed) there are subject to further discussion with Jakim.”

Jakim director-general Othman Mustafa had said the proposal was being discussed.

However, many quarters objected to the move, with the MCA pointing out that there is no legal basis for this because Islam comes under the purview of each state.

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in  blog-post yesterday, was disapproving of the proposal as faith is based on personal beliefs.

“There is no compulsion in Islam. Hence do not make Islam a ‘police state’ religion,” he said.