Asri issued with notice to be questioned by Jais later

(The Star) – Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin was not charged at the Gombak Timur Lower Syariah Court despite having to wait for nearly three hours.

He was instead issued with a second police bond as a notice for the Selangor Religious Affairs Department (Jais) to question him at a later date.

The prominent Islamic scholar, who had been told to be present in court yesterday, waited from 9am with a crowd of about 50 supporters and well-wishers – including social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and several Opposition MPs – had been told to be present after being detained by Jais enforcement officers on Sunday.

However, no officers from Jais came to the court yesterday.

“I don’t understand why I have been treated like this. I am a former mufti. I also have a PhD in Islamic studies from the IIU. I tutor PhD and Masters’ students in my classes (USM). Why am I being treated like this?

“I hope this becomes a point for the Government to amend the laws for better human rights and more freedom of speech,” he told reporters after being issued the bond.

“There is a hidden hand behind this as there are people who don’t want me to give a speech here in Selangor,” he added.

Dr Mohd Asri was expected to be charged under Section 119 of the Selangor Islamic Administra- tion Enactment for preaching without the state’s permission (tauliah) at a private house in Taman Sri Ukay in Gombak to a crowd of 500 friends and relatives on Sunday.

He was picked up by some 25 Jais officers and 30 policemen at 9.45pm on Sunday despite attempts by several Opposition MPs to negotiate with officers, and was later brought to Keramat police station to assist in Jais’ investigations.

Jais director Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said Dr Mohd Asri would be charged as soon as the investigation papers were ready, adding that the date had yet to be determined.

“He came to Selangor and we have our own laws here and he (Dr Mohd Asri) has to respect them,” he said, adding that it was necessary for one to make an application and attend an interview before being accredited by Jais to preach in Selangor.

“This is the requirement even if one wants to give a talk on Islam at a private residence,” he told a press conference which was attended by Selangor Mufti Datuk Seri Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid.

Mohammed Khusrin said police had to be called in because several elected representatives had tried to prevent the officers from making the arrest.

However, he denied that Dr Mohd Asri was detained for allegedly propagating the Wahabi doctrine among his supporters.

He added that Jais officers had moved in on Dr Mohd Asri based on complaints and memorandums received from local residents over the last few years.

He said the department would investigate Dr Mohd Asri’s speech as well as allegations that he was propagating the Wahabi doctrine.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he believed that Jais was professional enough to carry out a free, fair and transparent probe.

“I know the department 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 Datuk Asri,” said Khalid in a statement yesterday.

He said that the state had been informed of the incident.

Khalid said the department should explain to the public about the matter and the nature of the arrest, and pointed out that it had the authority on Islamic matters that were independent of the state government.