CM’s aide to resolve slapping incident

GEORGE TOWN: The aide of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was allegedly slapped in front of a mosque, plans to meet up with non-governmental organisation (NGO) group leader Mohd Hafiz Noordin soon following the ruckus.

Zaidi Ahmad said he plans to clarify the controversial fatwa issues in a proper manner to ensure it is explained properly.

“It might be a dialogue session or even debate,” he told theSun but did not elaborate further.

He, nonetheless, said he will keep the media updated as he needs time to sort matters out first.

Zaidi said he did not blame the senior citizen who attacked him but the group leader should control the crowd to prevent any untoward incident.

He added that violence was not part of the country’s culture.

“I will not lodge a police report or take any further action,” he said.

Hafiz could not be reached for comments at time of writing.

Last Friday, a group of protesters held placards critical of the state government over alleged interference related to fatwa outside a mosque in Jalan Macalister.

The drama began when Hafiz gave a speech alleging state interference in religious matters related to fatwa.

Zaidi, who was at the mosque for prayers, came out and tried to reason with the protesters but was instead attacked by one of the members of the group. – by Edmund Lee