Published: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 11:36:00 AM
Updated: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 1:25:47 PM
PM questions motive for Dr Mohd Asri's arrest
By IZATUN SHARI and LESTER KONG
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has questioned the motive behind the arrest of former Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
Dr Mohd Asri, who was arrested on Sunday night, was released on a police bond Monday without being charged.
Najib said that Dr Mohd Asri was a truthful speaker whose talks were always backed by proof and clear dalil (quaranic and Hadith verses).
“I don’t know what is the motive of the arrest. It was done by the state religious agency. It has nothing to do with the Federal Government,” he told reporters on Monday after launching a Pasar Tani convention.
Najib was asked to comment on Dr Mohd Asri’s arrest by the Selangor Religious Affairs Department (JAIS) on Sunday night for allegedly promoting the Wahabi doctrine to supporters.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Asri was not charged at the Gombak Timur Lower Syariah Court but was issued a police bond as a notice for JAIS enforcement officers to question him at a later date.
There were no JAIS officers present.
“I dont 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.
Earlier Monday morning, supporters and well-wishers of Dr Mohd Asri gathered at the Gombak Timur Lower Syariah Court as he waited to be charged by JAIS.
Despite waiting nearly three hours, the prominent Islamic scholar said he has not been informed of the charge that Jais plans to file against him.
It is, however, expected that he would be charged under Section 119 of the Selangor Islamic Administration Enactment for preaching without state permission (tauliah) at a private house in Taman Sri Ukay, Gombak to a crowd of 500 friends and relatives on Sunday night.
Among those who have gathered at the courthouse are Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali, Ampang MP Dr Zuraida Kamaruddin, Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib, Sisters In Islam board member Zainah Anwar and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.
Dr Mohd Asri was reportedly detained by some 25 Jais officers and 30 police at 9.45pm on Sunday night.
Despite attempts by Saari and Dr Zuraida to negotiate with officers not to arrest him, Dr Mohd Asri was brought to the Keramat police station to assist in JAIS investigations.
However, Dr Asri told reporters that the authorities did not take his statement but only his personal particulars.
Instead, he was ordered to present himself to the Gombak Timur court on Monday to hear the charge against him.
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