The coalition’s chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan denied the allegations saying that Abdul Muhaimin Malek is a certified religious teacher in the state, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“In my opinion, those making such allegations must present evidence,” Takiyuddin told reporters during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri event in Kota Bharu today.

Yesterday, Perak Amanah chairman Asmuni Awi said the allegations against Muhaimin, who is Tapah PAS chief, could damage the reputation of religious institutions and amounted to disloyalty to the Sultan of Perak, the head of Islam in the state.

In Perak, religious teaching accreditation is managed by the state’s mufti department through a formal process involving written examinations, interviews and background checks, with the sultan’s consent being necessary for final approval.

Asmuni said current regulations prohibit individuals holding political office or running for elections from obtaining such accreditation.

Muhaimin declined to address the allegations when approached by reporters after the candidate nomination on Saturday.

The Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26 will see a three-cornered contest between Muhaimin, Barisan Nasional’s Yusri Bakir and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s KS Bawani.