RIYADH, 6 May — Saleh Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, endowments, propagation and guidance, yesterday denied rumors that the Commission for Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice would be merged with the ministry. Speaking to Al-Jazirah Arabic daily, he said studies were under way on appointing Saudi women as official preachers. Meanwhile, Saleh left here yesterday for Kuala Lumpur to take part in the seventh conference of the OIC ministers of endowments and Islamic affairs.