Lecturer Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin is once again appointed as Perlis mufti, replacing Dr Juanda Jaya.

He starts his office duties in Kangar today.

“Pohon doa semua rakyat Malaysia (All Malaysians please pray for me),” read Asri’s Facebook post, attached with a picture of him working in his office.

Asri was first appointed as the Perlis mufti in 2006, replacing Mat Jahya Hussin who had previously served for 22 years.

Juanda contract was shortened on request of the Sarawak government, as he was seconded to Perlis by Sarawak where he served in the state Islamic Affairs Department.

During his term, Asri was renowned as an outspoken ulama, and had been actively involved in debates on current issues - including that of politics and religion.

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, he said that he intends to fulfill his responsibilities this time to show Islam as “a blessing to the whole universe”.

“Islam is the source of blessings, not problems. Issues associated with Islam should not be the cause of strife among the rakyat.

“The rakyat has to see Islam as the solution,” he stressed.

When asked if he will continue being forthright as before, he chuckled and said, “The rakyat can decide after this. It’s an open world.”