Monday November 2, 2009

Former Perlis mufti detained

By ZIEMAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin was picked up by Selangor Religious Affairs Department (Jais) officials late last night as he was conducting a religious class.

Thirty-five Jais officials, accompanied by 25 policemen, arrived at his friend’s house in Taman Ukay, Ulu Klang, around 9.45pm, where he was conducting his monthly religious class.

Picked up: Dr Mohd Asri being lead away by police and JAIS officers in Ulu Klang yesterday.

However, about 500 of his students and supporters there tried to prevent the arrest.

It is learnt that Jais officials were there to arrest him for not having the authorisation to hold a religious ceramah.

Ulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamarudin and three lawyers negotiated for nearly two hours before an agreement was reached.

Dr Mohd Asri was finally taken to the Ulu Klang police station just after midnight and released on police bail at 1.10am.

Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Abdul Jalil Hassan comfirm that police had assisted Jais officials in the arrest.

At a press conference after his release, Dr Mohd Asri, who is known for his progressive ideas, said his statement was not recorded nor was there any interrogation.

Asked if he knew why he was arrested, he said, “You have to ask Jais.”

It is learnt that he has been asked to be present at the Islamic Religious Council office in Gombak at 9am today.

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