Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has given Berita Harian and New Straits Times 48 hours to retract and apologise over their reports involving the appointment of former state mufti Hassan Ahmad.

The reports quoted Penang PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden who accused Lim of “political interference” in the mufti's appointment.

Lim denied he was involved in the appointment, saying the person for the post was recommended by state executive councillor on Islamic affairs, Abdul Malik Kassim.