'Will answer if time comes': PN candidate mum on ustaz credential row

Summary

• PN's Ayer Kuning candidate repeatedly refuses to address queries over allegations that he had misled Perak religious authorities to obtain his credentials to teach and preach Islam.

• Abd Muhaimin Malek says answers will be provided "if the time comes".

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AYER KUNING POLLS | Perikatan Nasional's candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election has remained coy amid claims of him misleading Perak religious authorities to obtain his credentials (tauliah) to teach and preach Islam.

Refusing to elaborate on the matter despite reporters repeatedly questioning him at several events today, Abd Muhaimin Malek merely said PN will provide answers "if the time comes".

"If it's about this (credentials) issue, I don't want to give any comments.

"I'll only comment if you want to ask me about my hopes for the rakyat," he said briefly when met by Malaysiakini prior to his walkabout around the Kampung Raya area in Tapah, Perak.

At an earlier event, the Tapah PN chief told reporters his opponents are free to harp on the matter.

"If the time comes, God willing, we will provide answers," he added.

Muhaimin (above), a headmaster at a state religious school, had similarly refused to address the media's queries after the official nominations yesterday.

‘Insulting religious institution’

Earlier today, Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi raised concerns over allegations that Muhaimin had deceived state religious authorities to obtain credentials to become an ustaz.

Asmuni cautioned that such actions would not only be an insult to religious institutions but also tantamount to defying the Perak sultan, the head of Islam in the state.

The former Manjoi assemblyperson also expressed disappointment over Muhaimin's refusal to clear the air, especially since the matter involves questions of integrity and basic eligibility to lead.

According to Asmuni, regulations prohibit individuals holding political positions or contesting in elections from obtaining religious accreditation, which is handled by the state mufti department.

Final approval over the credential is granted only with the sultan's consent.

Ayer Kuning voters are set to head to the polls on April 26, with Muhaimin part of a three-cornered battle for the state seat under the Tapah parliamentary constituency.

He will be going against PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS and Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir.

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