The mufti of Perlis has advised the new Pakatan Harapan government not to strive for “cosmetic” and populist appearances of Islam, but instead to concentrate on good governance and justice.

The outspoken mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in Islam, it is more important for a government to be honest and competent.

“Islam has never required a leader to be an ulama, a mullah or an ustaz. And the leader need not be one who wears the jubah or kopiah," he said...