Muslim preacher suggests Islamic advisers for PM, MBs and CMs

GEORGE TOWN, July 5 — Head of states like the prime minister, mentris besar and chief ministers should have special officers appointed as their religious advisers to help them handle sensitive issues concerning Islam, Muslim preacher Ustaz Mutalib Maarof said.

The Yayasan An-Nadhdhoh Pulau Pinang president said this in response to police confirming that the recent blast outside the Movida bar in Puchong was the first successful Islamic State-related (IS) attack in Malaysia.

"I find the current situation worrying especially in light of the IS connection to the Kuala Lumpur bombing and the bombing in Medina yesterday so I hope that religious advisors are appointed by the chief minister, the prime minister and the deputy minister to deal with religious issues such as hudud," he said.

He added that the role of the religious adviser was also to ensure that government leaders do not issue statements in conflict of Islam.

"We can also offer our assistance and we hope that before any religious statements is issued, either a special religious advisor or a mufti is consulted beforehand," he said in a press conference with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Mutalib also expressed his shock at the attack in Medina, noting that it is one of Islam's holiest and most peaceful sites.

Last night, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina, killing four security officers and injuring five others.

Earlier today, Lim handed over Hari Raya contributions to Yayasan An-Nahdoh Pulau Pinang and Ma'had Ad-Da'wah Al-Islamiyyah.

Lim also condemned the attack in Medina and expressed concern over the police confirmation that the Puchong bombing was linked to IS.

"I've spoken to the CPO and he has given his assurance that the police will step up security and patrolling in several main areas in the state to ensure that the Hari Raya holidays are celebrated peacefully," he said.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that the blast at a nightclub in Puchong on June 28 was linked to the IS.