SHAH ALAM, 11 Nov 2009: The Selangor state assembly today rejected an emergency motion demanding that the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) release former Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin without pre-condition and drop any charges planned against him.
Speaker DUN Teng Chang Khim rejected the motion tabled by Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang) on grounds that although the issue was of public interest, there was no necessity to expedite it.
Saari also called on the government to immediately review provisions in the state’s Islamic religious administration enactment, which were not in line with dakwah requirement and against the principles of justice, freedom and human rights.
Saari said he saw for himself how Jais officials treated Asri like a criminal when they detained him on 1 Nov for conducting a religious ceramah without a certificate of authorisation in Taman Seri Ukay.
He also questioned the treatment given to the former mufti, whom he described as an intellectual man.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa) questioned why many Jais officers were required to detain Asri as if he were a criminal or terrorist.
“This man has dignity and self-esteem. Jais’s action gives rise to perception that the department is unprofessional and more inclined towards punishing and not educating,” he said. — Bernama
