Has mounting pressure from both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat politicians forced the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) to postpone its decision to charge former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin?

Following his arrest last night after conducting a religious talk at a bungalow in Ampang, there were high expectations that Mohd Asri would be charged today.

NONE The former mufti was also given a letter last night, asking him to be present at the Gombak Timur Syariah Court this morning.

Mohd Asri and his supporters, which included the daughter of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Marina, waited for almost four hours but the Jais prosecutor and investigating officer did not turn up.

His lawyers Zulkifli Che Yong and Azmi Rais later issued a statement that their client would not be charged today and that Jais wanted to record the former mufti's statement at another date.

Mohd Asri is being investigated under Section 119 of the Selangor Islamic Administration Enactment for not possessing authorisation to conduct religious talks.

If found guilty, he is liable to a maximum fine of RM3,000 or a maximum two years jail or both.

NONE Questions have been raised whether the arrest was related to Asri's impending appointment as the new president of the Islamic Da'wah Foundation of Malaysia replacing Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad.

A memorandum was sent to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Oct 12 by the Malaysia Syarie Lawyers' association that was backed by 13 Muslim non-governmental organisations opposing the proposed appointment as Mohd Asri was seen to have insulted certain Islamic scholars.

Mohd Asri yesterday urged the association to provide proof that he had insulted renowned 'ulama' such as Imam Nawawi, Imam Bukhari and Imam Ghazali.

Among others, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had also questioned the former mufti’s arrest.

This led to speculations that Jais’ decision to postpone charging Mohd Asri was due to the high amount of public interest in the matter.

Treated like a criminal

NONE Meanwhile, Mohd Asri claimed that the manner of his arrest gave the impression that he was a high-profile criminal.

"If they claim that I bring deviant teachings, then where is the charge? Asking me to wait for so many hours without any action is a waste of time.

"I would like to tell them in Islam we always follow what has been promised. I was asked to come here by 9am but until now there is not a single Jais officer," he told reporters at the court house.

The former mufti also questioned the possibility of a hidden hand behind Jais' decision to come after him.

PKR Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin and PAS Hulu Kelang assemblyperson Saari Sungib were also present at the bungalow during the arrest.

Lawyer Mohamed Abdullah, who is representing the Perlis mufti, said there was nothing deviant about Mohd Asri's teachings.

"His talks are centred on the Quran and sunnah. There is nothing deviant.

"He comes once a month to give religious talks and he gives a holistic view of Islam," he said, adding that during last night's talk, the former mufti had touched on the memorandum.

"I do not understand why he was arrested," he said, pointing out that his client had been preaching for the past three years without any problems.

Jais: He will be charged soon.

Speaking at a press conference later, Jais director Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said the department would hasten its investigations into the matter.

NONE Mohammed Khusrin claimed that the arrest was made with the help of the police as there were problems in getting Mohd Asri to cooperate.

"We were prevented by Mohd Asri's congregation (supporters) and the elected representatives. That is why the police were called.

"We did not overreact in arresting him," he said, adding that Jais had been eyeing Mohd Asri for some time.

Asked about Mohd Asri's suspected involvement in disseminating teachings of the Wahabi school of thought, the director said the matter was still under investigation.

He also denied that Jais was pressured by any Muslim NGOs to take action on the former Perlis mufti.

He added that Jais had in the past taken action against 10 religious teachers for not possessing authority to teach.