Controversial religious leader arrest is political
Malaysia's religious department today arrested a high profile religious leader but gave no reason for the arrest, sparking rumors that the arrest was due to political and religious reasons, said an observer in his blog.
Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, a controversial figure who is always under fire for his statements and his practice of Islam, is said to have been arrested for promoting 'Wahhabi' ideas in Malaysia. He is also accused by many of being too 'intolerant' towards the cultural practices of Islam by local Muslims.
Dr Asri is also known for disputing several 'Islamic' practices, aligning his views closely to that inforce in Saudi Arabia, the land where Wahabism takes its origin. However, his arrest is a political decision and is part of the plan by the government to 'gag' opposition leaders who campaigns on Islam.
While he was arrested alongside two opposition members Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita chief and Ampang member of parliament Zuraida Kamaruddin and Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib. The opposition attributes it to the new ruling by the local Islamic authorities requiring Muslims to have a permit before delivering a 'religious' speech in the country. The opposition is crying foul that this new 'ruling' is bent to 'muzzle' the opposition Party Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) leaders who are not pro-government.
