var comments = {"total":"9","items":[{"id":"26234","storyid":"117690","author":"John Smith","userid":"24070","date":"1258589801","content":"Please enlighten me about what topic is NOT related to Islam? Surely, for a Muslim, life itself and every part of it is part of the work of Allah and to be conducted in the light of Islam?  Is the true chilling message here that nobody can teach anything to a Muslim unless they have a prior permit from the government?","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/icon\/icon_24070.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"26188","storyid":"117690","author":"Syamil Silmi","userid":"72160","date":"1258557721","content":"As a conscientious Muslim I always strive to explain Islam the people around me whether they be my family, my fellow students, or my friends and social acquaintances. I find that with a little bit of explanation, many common misconceptions are dispelled, and people adopt a more open-minded attitude towards Islam. Now however, this ruling threatens to silence people such as myself, who, though not formally teaching Islam, nevertheless reach out towards the multi-faceted people of Malaysia, promoting understanding and unity. How can we build a better union if people are not allowed to talk about their heritage and background? Islam should not be raised on a pedestal, to be regulated by the government to the very last detail. It should be down to Earth, practiced by the common people and everyone should be entitled to talk about it. The Muftis are charged with protecting Islam, but by preventing the discourse they are doing a disservice to the faith.","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/icon\/icon_72160.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"26005","storyid":"117690","author":"RR","userid":"1618","date":"1258531169","content":"Charging  Dr Asri is  a classic  case of selective prosecution. We thought that religious leaders,  lawyers and other religious persons are God fearing and will  always do the righteous thing. But this case proves that God is NOT feared. I am sure so many are holding   religious study circles\/ talks \/discussions in private homes. Are they all charged! Hope  the positive out come  of this case will liberalise Jakim\/Jais for the progress of muslims in this country. Otherwise we will become a laughing stock in the eyes of the world --when good people cannot say good and real things.","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/defaulticon.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25983","storyid":"117690","author":"wira","userid":"43880","date":"1258525820","content":"The PM had already indicated that he did not agree with the arrest. I wonder on whose instruction is the prosecution office obeying to carry out the charge?  Or is this really a \"sandiwara\"? That Dr Asri and the Muslim community in this country should rejoice should the government later force the prosecution to withdraw the charge?","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/defaulticon.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25959","storyid":"117690","author":"P.Dev Anand Pillai","userid":"38284","date":"1258518304","content":"Your are right Victor, it is because of the civil servants that the policies which are being made by the current State Adminsitrations that the PR is in governance do not get implemented. Nevertheless, they fear Dr Asri as a possible by election candidate. He should be elected to a State Assembly or Parliament so that his views can be put accross and debated.","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/defaulticon.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25953","storyid":"117690","author":"Victor Johan","userid":"74679","date":"1258516830","content":"Dear Starmandala, this is the job of UMNO appointed JAIS government servants and appointees from the Syariah Court, and not the State Government or PR component parties. Remember that they are GOVERNMENT SERVANTS (Kuli Kerajaan UMNO) first then Civil Servants (Berkhidmat untuk Rakyat). Appreciate you get your facts right. Hasan Ali, as much as you may not like him, is not the culprit. Terima kasih.","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/icon\/icon_74679.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25950","storyid":"117690","author":"chipmunk","userid":"36458","date":"1258515939","content":"I am sure there are many more people out there who speaks without  authorization but apparently Dr Asri was the key target in this case. Finally a charge after contemplating what to charge him for. Speaking of selective judgement. Anyway Dr Asri, the folks down south welcomes you anytime.","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/defaulticon.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25945","storyid":"117690","author":"Mr KJ John","userid":"3668","date":"1258514723","content":"Unless he \"preached in a public space,\" this charge cannot be validated!  Anyone is free to be invited into private space to \"preach and teach scriptures,\" regardless of the specific interpretation! Surely, there cannot be a code for a private space of engagement; unless it is \"some specifically banned teaching!\"","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/defaulticon.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"},{"id":"25943","storyid":"117690","author":"Naziman","userid":"35454","date":"1258514350","content":"This Hasan Ali character is DEFINITELY EVIL and appears to have corrupted and hijacked JAIS as his personal attack vehicle. PAS can no longer make excuses for him. I can accept any opinion - no matter how demented, depraved or braindead - but people with such twisted opinions must under no circumstances ever be allowed to become legislators!","icon":"<img alt=\"usericon\" src=\"http:\/\/comments.malaysiakini.com\/images\/icon\/icon_35454.jpg?1259194502\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" \/>"}]};