The Penang mufti was recommended and approved by former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, state executive councillor Abdul Malik Kassim said today.

According to him, Anwar also often advised him on the appointment of the president and members of the Penang Islamic Council (MAIPP), and issues of Islamic affairs. 

“There is no interference by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng,” Malik said at a press conference today.

His remarks comes following an ultimatum by the chief minister to Berita Harian and New Straits Times to apologise within 48 hours for running state PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden's claim that Lim had interfered in the appointment of the state mufti.