Appointment of mufti as Religious Affairs Minister avoids controversy: PAS

Pas viewed the appointment of the former Federal Territories mufti Zulkifli Mohamad as the minister in charge of religious affairs as a move which could prevent political controversy.

PAS vice president Mohd Amar Abdullah said if a politician is given the post as practised in the past, it would create a controversy.

"(The former) FT mufti has a neutral image and well-received by many people from various backgrounds.

"We hope with a figure like him, all kinds of people will understand more about Islam, and (he would help in) accomplishing hopes and aspirations in regards to Islam in the future.

"If we put a politician either from Pas or Umno, it could create a controversy," he told the media in Kota Bharu today.

He was asked to comment on Zulkifli's appointment as announced by the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

The state deputy menteri besar stressed that Zulkifli (above) does not have to join any political party although he is in the government.

"I think he does not need to join any party because in this government anyone can be a minister, there's no problem to that.

"The important thing is the person is an elected representative or appointed as a senator," said Mohd Amar.