The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) has strongly denied that Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin’s arrest last night was politically-motivated, saying that they are planning to charge the former Perlis mufti merely because he had broken the law.
Jais director Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi told reporters that Asri was arrested under Section 119 (1) of the Islamic Administration Enactment for preaching without a permit.
Khusrin said various complaints had been lodged against Asri, whom he accused of holding several religious lectures — mostly around the affluent area of Sri Ukay in Ampang — without authorisation.
“All those who want to hold such events must follow the law and the ruling made by the Sultan,” said Khusrin.
“You need tauliah to preach in this state and all you have to do is apply. We are open to processing applications,” he said, using the Arabic term for authorisation.
Khusrin’s statement, however, contradicts Asri’s earlier claims that his application for authorisation had been rejected on numerous occasions.
While waiting to be charged at the Gombak Lower Syariah court this morning, the former mufti went as far as accusing Jais of bias.
“What kind of Islam is this? There was even an instruction (from) Jais ‘to give everyone else permission to preach except for the Perlis mufti ’,” lambasted Asri.
Asri also insinuated that there was an “invisible hand” behind the fiasco.
Khusrin did not comment on Asri’s allegations on the external influence but denied rejecting applications made by the latter to preach in the state.
“We have written so many times to tell him that it’s alright for him to preach in Selangor,” Khusrin claimed.
To back his claims, the Jais director said Asri’s arrest was not unique, saying that there had been about 10 arrests made in the state on similar grounds.
“Maybe because Asri is a big figure so that’s why huge attention is given to this case,” suggested Khusrin.
He added that Jais intends to wrap up investigation as early as possible, given the attention the case has received.
Asri is currently free on bail. He is expected to be called before a Syariah investigation team at a date yet undetermined.
Khusrin declined to state the date Jais would call Asri in for questioning, saying only that the former Perlis mufti would be notified “once the time comes.”
Meanwhile, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he believed Jais is professional enough to provide free, fair and transparent investigations in Asri’s arrest, which has led to an uproar among the political elite.
“I know they will be able to carry out a fair investigation and look at all angles to ensure that justice is served not only to the people but also to Asri,” Khalid said.
He noted that Jais has powers that are independent of the state government to implement the Selangor Islamic Administration Enactment.
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hassan ali bin ali hassan is the head of selangor religious and jais, without his instruction i doubt any officiers will act..it seemed that with the pas top leaders now investigating his role n revaluating his contribution, it would not be surprised that hassan ali is telling the pas, FLY KITES.
THIS IS A CLEAR MESSAGE, after all, it make him hero ,
now the prime minister kick another goal back to pas..this is yr boy, u sort it out!
Can you explain why the PM is also upset at you. This is another Ahmad Said of MACC. He who speaks between his legs.
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