Selangor opposition leader Mohd Shamsuddin Lias has asked PAS to state its problems with the state Islamic council (Mais) to the point of wanting it stripped of executive powers.

"Mais is good. In fact, it is among the best. So why the need to revoke its powers?

"We opposition have no issue with Mais. So I wish to ask PAS, what is their problem with the council?" Shamsuddin told Malaysiakini .

The Umno assemblyperson was responding to the call from four PAS MPs that the law be amended to revoke Mais' executive powers so that the state Islamic department (Jais) does not take orders from the council.

Shamsuddin ( right ) - who is Sungai Burong assemblyperson - said PAS has executive powers via its exco member in charge of religious affairs.

"The exco for Islamic affairs has executive powers to formulate policy and put in motion procedures and regulations that are to be followed by the religious authorities," he said.

Mais courted controversy when it refused to comply with the attorney-general and state government’s directives to return the copies of the Bible in the Malay and Iban languages that Jais seized .

Two powers

Meanwhile, PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar has urged Mais to file for a judicial review if it is dissatisfied with the AG’s ruling on the Bible issue.

"In this issue, we see two autonomous powers, Mais with its decision not to return the holy books and the AG as well as state government ordering them to be returned.

"To resolve this matter, it is best that Mais files for a judicial review to seek an amicable solution," Mahfuz is quoted as saying by Harakahdaily .

Selangor PKR secretary, Amiruddin Shari ( left ), agreed that the powers of Mais should be reviewed so as to prevent the existence of ‘a department within a department’.

"If it is a department, then it should be under the state government's jurisdiction and be under the purview of the state government and the sultan.

"If that is to be the basis, then there is a need to review Mais’ executive powers," said Amiruddin, who is Batu Caves assemblyperson.

He said Selangor PKR would hold a press conference to state their stand tomorrow.

State DAP secretary Lau Weng San when contacted declined to comment, saying he would issue a statement on the matter later.

Related stories

PAS reps want Selangor to remove Mais' power

What's your beef with Mais, Umno asks PAS

Respect AG's decision on Bible, PM tells Mais

Ambiga warns of past sins revisiting

Selangor MB to meet sultan on Bible issue

'It's theft if the Bibles are not returned'

Islamic 'NGOs' galore now running the country