Former Al-Gama'a_al-Islamiyya "Islamic Group" leader, Awad al-Hatab denounced Minister of Culture, Helmy Al Namnam's remarks about " the secular nature" of the Egyptian people, Al-Bawaba News reported Sunday. Hatab said that Namnam's remark is contradictory and do not reflect the real image of the nature of the Egyptian people, stressing that the minister's view promote extremism. Salafist Al-Nour Party member, Salah Abdel Ma'aboud condemned the minister's remarks, saying that Namnam's view is contrary to the constitution. Abdel Ma'aboud added that the minister did not know that Islam is the official religion of the state, demanding Namnam to be aware of the constitution's articles before talking about the identity of the country.