The Selangor government continued to avoid a clear stance on the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) raid on a church, saying it wants to wait for the full report.

NONE Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim ( right ) said it cannot be sure when the report will be ready, as Jais is facing legal obstacles in questioning the 12 Muslims said to be involved in alleged proselytisation activities during a dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) last week.

He said the lawyers representing 10 of them had written to his office, explaining their position on the responsibilities of their clients and those of Jais in the matter.

"This is the legal view of the 10 people (identified for questioning).

"We have forwarded the letter to Jais’ legal advisers... We do hope after (the Hari) Raya (celebrations), we can settle this issue," he told a press conference after chairing a state executive council meeting today.

When asked, Khalid explained that Jais operates as a department within the state administration, adding that Jais should “come to the state first” in whatever activity they intend to carry out.

The menteri besar however sidestepped questions when pressed specifically on whether or not the state has any authority over Jais, only saying that the religious department must conduct its activities based on provisions laid out in the state enactment.

“Read the enactment,” he said when pressed to clarify whether it meant the state government has jurisdiction over Jais or otherwise.

Khalid also avoided responding directly to criticism for stating his “regret” over the raid, despite ordering a gag order on all state executive councillors and state government staff on the issue pending completion of Jais’ report.

Gag order remains

Describing the raid as “ pemeriksaan ” or an inspection, Khalid said the best policy the state government can adopt now is to allow Jais enough time to complete its report.

“The state must be very professional and get the facts first. Right or wrong, let us see the report first,” he said.

Khalid repeated however that the gag order still stands and applies to all state exco members and state government staff.

When asked if he has met the Sultan of Selangor over the Jais raid, he said that is also pending completion of Jais investigations and the full report.

“Let’s not be hasty in passing judgment. We have yet to get the full report from Jais, which is needed before I can give my views and ask for the views of the sultan,” he said.

On Aug 3, Jais officials barged in on a multi-racial thanksgiving dinner function at DUMC, where they were said to have questioned participants and collected pamphlets and other documents found at the event.

PAS’ state exco member in charge of religious affairs Hassan Ali added fuel to the controversy when he backed the raid, stating that there was evidence of proselytisation of Muslims at the dinner - held in honour of non-profit organisation Komuniti Harapan.

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