PUTRAJAYA, June 27 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today reiterated his stance that religious rhetoric should be curbed during campaigning for the upcoming state elections.

Commenting on recent controversial comments by PAS politician Syeikh Zainul Asri Mohd Romli, Saifuddin said that the remarks of an ustaz carry a lot of weight among conservative Malay-Muslims, even more than his words as home minister.

"They will ask who said it... Saifuddin? Where is his jubah? He doesn’t even wear a serban.

"The one who said it is an ustaz. He has a jubah. He has a serban and all. This is a predicament,” Saifuddin Nasution told the press after a joint meeting between the Home Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

Syeikh Zainul had told a crowd during a PAS assembly last Saturday: "May Allah protect Kedah from falling into the hands of Allah’s enemies”.

In response, Pakatan Harapan’s media mobilisation bureau chief Muhammad Yahaya filed a police complaint against Syeikh Zainul, saying that such remarks could instil hatred and encourage extremism.

Saifuddin said that a police investigation had ensued and Syeikh Zainul had been called in to give a statement.

"In his first meeting with the police, he admitted to his mistake and said he got too excited when he saw a huge crowd,” said Saifuddin.

Saifuddin also said that Syeikh Zainul would not be remanded, but the police investigation against the latter would continue.

To note, Syeikh Zainul issued a public apology for his remarks via Facebook today.