Former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin said he has stopped writing for Malay-daily Utusan Malaysia and will be penning his thoughts in more "independent" media upon his return from Mekkah.

In a statement sent to Malaysiakini by mobile text from Saudi Arabia, the outspoken religious scholar (right) said he has ceased contributing to the Utusan's Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia.