Former Perlis Mufti released on bond

2009/11/02

KUALA LUMPUR, Mon: Former Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (picture) was today released on bond without surety by the Gombak East syariah lower court, near here, following his arrest last night.

The bond was offered by the Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs Department's (Jais) enforcement officer in charge.

Asri's counsel, Zulkifli Che Yong, when met by reporters outside the courtroom, said a charge had not been made against his client as Jais was still investigating the case.

Asri, meanwhile, said he did not know why he was arrested late last night and why he was asked by Jais to come to court today.

"I'm puzzled. I think nearly 30 officers from the religious department came to arrest me and I still don't know why.

"Even if I didn't have the certification (of authority) to teach religion, there were still too many of them just (officers) to come and get me. We'll just have to wait for the charge (against me).

Asked whether his arrest had to do with him being linked to Wahhabi teachings, Asri refuted the allegation.

"It's just an assumption, there's no proof. I now want to know who is the 'invisible hand' behind my arrest," he said.

Meanwhile, Jais director Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said Asri's arrest had nothing to do with alleged spreading of Wahhabi teachings, but that he had contravened Section 119 (1) of the Selangor Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2003 for teaching Islam without the letter of authority.

Asri was arrested by Jais enforcement officers with the help of police while giving a religious talk to over 100 people at the bungalow of a businessman in Taman Sri Ukay, Hulu Klang, last night.

He was then taken to the Hulu Klang police station to have his statement recorded. Mohammed Khusrin said while no charge had been made against Asri and that he was released on bond without surety, the investigation would be expedited as it was of public interest.

If found guilty, Asri can be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed for up to two years or both.

According to Mohamed Khusrin, 10 individuals had been arrested by Jais in the last three years for teaching Islam without the certification to do so.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim hoped that Jais would carry out a fair, thorough and transparent investigation into Asri's case.

"This is to ensure that justice is served not only to the people but also to Dr Asri," he said in a statement.

Khalid also wants Jais to give the public an explanation on Asri's arrest as there is confusion and questions have also been raised about it. -- BERNAMA