USM PENANG, 24 April 2026 – Director of the Islamic Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Ustaz Zayd Zhari, received the royal consent to have an audience with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and was appointed as a Member of the Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP).

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, also graciously granted audiences and presented instruments of appointment to 17 members of the Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) during a special ceremony held recently.

At the same ceremony, the Head Teacher of KAFA Darul Quran, USM Islamic Centre, Ustaz Fadzlee Daei, and a lecturer from the School of Management, Associate Professor Dr. Lilis Surienty Abd Talib, were also among the recipients of the appointment letters.

The three-year appointments are regarded as recognition of the expertise and contributions of the three individuals in strengthening the development and administration of Islamic affairs, particularly in Penang.

The ceremony, held at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur, was also attended by the President of MAINPP, Datuk Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid; Deputy President of MAINPP, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abd Aziz Tajuddin; Penang State Secretary, Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long; and State Legal Advisor, Datuk Wan Nor Sakina Saad.

The university extends its utmost gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for graciously bestowing the appointment letters upon the three USM staff members as Members of the MAINPP.

Original Text: Mohd Azrul Mohd Azhar/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Official Facebook of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar