State executive councillor in charge of Islamic affairs Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said he had a duty to voice out the state’s concerns at a dialogue initiated by the committee in 2010 on the “kalimah Allah” decree banning non-Muslims from using 40 words.

He said despite that, the Fatwa Committee had gone ahead to get the controversial decree approved and the Penang government respected its decision.

“I have never ordered the Fatwa Committee to change its decisions on any decree.

“I had merely asked for a discussion on the decrees made, with the presence of a state government official, in the hope they would reevaluate their decisions.

“This has been the practice of the Fatwa Committee, which usually invites those who are against any of its fatwas, for a muzakarah (discussion),” Malik said in a statement today.

Malik said despite discussions with the committee and concerns expressed by the state government, the body had gone ahead to pass its decrees.

“The state government respects and accepts such decisions.

“Asking for a review or having fresh discussions on any fatwa also does not mean meddling in the fatwa process,” Malik said.

Recently, PAS alleged that the Penang government had meddled in the Fatwa Committee, saying a few fatwas were put on hold as a result.

PAS had also said all fatwas had to go through the state executive council for approval, although the council itself says such fatwas are only brought to their attention as a form of notification.

PAS also said the state government had usurped the powers of the Fatwa Committee.

Today, a member of the Fatwa Committee, Md Saleh Ahmad, supported PAS’ claim, saying that the Penang government had asked for a review of the “kalimah Allah” decree.

Saleh had singled out Malik in particular for the alleged “political interference” in the fatwa committee.