Malaysia is a Muslim country at best and will not be an Islamic state as long as its constitution remains secular, said former Lord President Salleh Abas today.

"Malaysia can be described as a Muslim country because the majority of our citizens are Muslims but it cannot be described as an Islamic state," said Salleh when contacted by malaysiakini .

This was because the highest law in the country is the Federal Constitution and Syariah law (Islamic law) is only a branch within the constitution, he added.

"Syariah cannot run into conflict with the laws passed by Parliament or the constitution. Only Islamic laws governing personal and family matters are allowed by the constitution," said Salleh who is now PAS state assemblyman for Jerteh in Terengganu.