The DAP leader said he made the suggestion to ensure all views were considered before any constitutional amendment was made.

“Until recently, I was unaware that this special committee had actually been formed by the National Council for Islamic Affairs and is chaired by the Sultan of Selangor.

“Therefore, I hereby withdraw my proposal and sincerely apologise,” Ngeh said in a statement.

The former Perak assembly speaker added that he had no intention of getting involved in Islamic matters.

In a statement yesterday, Ngeh, who is a lawyer, said he noticed that all members of the committee were Muslims.

He went on to say it was important to appoint non-Muslim constitutional experts to the committee so that non-Muslim views about proposed adjustments to the constitution would also be taken into account before a proposal for any change in the law is made.

His proposal was slammed by leaders such as Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and Abdul Halim Suleiman, the secretary of the party’s Johor chapter.

Meanwhile, Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said as an experienced legal practitioner and politician, Ngeh’s views were unnecessary.