Former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has claimed that a 'conspiracy' authored by religious authorities might have led to his arrest on Sunday night.

NONE In an interview with Malaysiakini today, the 38-year-old Islamic scholar dismissed the possibility that there were political elements involved.

Asri said that his vocal and critical views against some religious authorities could have ruffled feathers, resulting in him being targeted.

He was also mystified by the large number of police personnel and officials from the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) who were deployed to arrest him.

"It does not make any sense that there were more than 10 police personnel and 30 Jais officers during my arrest. It looks as if they were arresting a terrorist!" he lamented.

NONE "And at the court the next morning, there was still nothing, no charges, or investigation," he added.

Asri was arrested after delivering a religious discourse at a bungalow in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, on the grounds that he had no authorisation to do so.

Among others who had attended the talk were Ampang PKR MP Zuraida Kamaruddin and Hulu Kelang state assemblyperson Saari Sungib.

His arrest drew flak from various quarters, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

It was speculated that his detention could have been related to his proposed appointment as the new president of the Islamic Da'wah Foundation of Malaysia.

His appointment was opposed by the Syarie Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM) on the grounds that he had insulted certain Islamic scholars.

The association had also sent a memorandum, backed by the 13 Muslim non-governmental organisations, to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on this matter.

Meanwhile, Asri wanted to know what amounted teachings that were banned by Jais, as he felt that without clarification, they can arrest anyone arbitrarily.

"What about the missionaries who go to mosques and preach? I know that they do not have tauliah , how come they are not arrested?" he asked.

NONE Asri also revealed that the animosity against him might have started back in 2006 when he was appointed Perlis mufti.

According to him, a letter released by Jais then, said that all muftis were allowed to conduct religious discourses in Selangor, except for the Perlis mufti.

He said: "I realised that there may be some parties unhappy with me because I'm forthright with my views and that might have not gone down well with these religious authorities.

He, however, said that he did not know who these people were, as his criticisms are not targeted at anyone in particular. He said he has always maintained good relations with all.

On NONE the issue of political interference, Asri said that politicians from opposing sides have shown great support and they were all against his arrest.

Asri also refuted allegations by The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) about his lack of syariah qualification.

"How can they level such a ludicrous claim at me?

It is so easy to prove them wrong. I'll gladly show them my certificate," he said, adding that Jakim was being childish.

He challenged Jakim to check the qualifications of other muftis if it was sincere, and pointed that there are stringent requirements in place to qualify as a mufti in Malaysia.

VIDEO | 9 mins Part 1

VIDEO | 9 mins Part II