Jais detains entertainer for 'preaching without permit'
Comedian, TV host and lyricist Bob Lokman was detained last night by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais), apparently because he was giving a religious speech without accreditation.
Comedian, TV host and lyricist Bob Lokman was detained last night by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais), apparently because he was 'giving a religious speech' without accreditation.
He was said to have been nabbed while delivering a
tazkirah (
talk incorporating reminders) in a surau in Hulu Langat, and was taken to a nearby police station.
When contacted, the entertainer, who recently joined PAS and has spoken at many of its events, confirmed that he was taken in, but declined to elaborate, referring Malaysiakini to PAS leaders for further comment.
Bob - who is the grandson of famed Kelantan anti-colonialist Tok Kenali - is understood to have spoken about his experience in the entertainment industry.
A senior PAS Youth leader, who declined to be named, said Bob, PAS Youth election director Mohd Sany Hamzan and an official from the surau were held last night and are scheduled to give their statements at Jais before noon today.
Mohd Sany told Malaysiakini that about 20 Jais enforcement personnel and several police officers were involved in the operation.
"While Bob was speaking, they did not do anything. After he had finished and had performed the evening prayers, that's when we were arrested," he said.
Mohd Sany denied Bob (
right
) was giving a religious lecture or had touched on political issues.
Jais had last month issued an order barring politicians in Selangor from making speeches at mosques or suraus.
Mohd Sany said those involved in the function would extend full cooperation to the Jais officials when giving their statements.
However, he added, they would only answer the necessary and relevant questions posed to them.
Jais has yet to respond to requests for comments on the matter.
Bob - the lyricist behind the famous 'Isabella' ballad of the 1980s - raised eyebrows last February when he appeared on the campaign trail for Pakatan Rakyat in the Merlima and Kerdau by-elections.
He has been active on the ceramah circuit ever since.
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