Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said that the arrest of former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin is an indication that syariah law is becoming politicised.

NONE "The Umno leadership is trying to make it seem that they are very Islamic and will not compromise… but if they are playing with the syariah law, then we have a problem in our country," the PKR leader told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

According to Anwar, being a former mufti, Asri's qualifications are not questionable, and this kind of action has also been taken against many other PAS and PKR leaders.

He added that he has spoken to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim on the matter, and has recommended that it be brought to the attention of the Sultan.

"We understand that the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) is not under his (Khalid’s) jurisdiction. However, I have requested that he seek an explanation for the arrest, and if required, to present his findings…to the Sultan," he said.

Commenting on the further postponement of his sodomy trial to Nov 23, Anwar said that this was on the suggestion of both the prosecution and defence.

Anwar said the prosecution is causing the delay by appealing against the High Court's ruling to hand over documents relating to the case, including the medical report, to the defence team.

"If the prosecution, on the instructions of Umno, insists that I am in the wrong, then just provide me with the documents and continue with the trial," he said.

We made a mistake with Badrul

Speaking about Port Klang state assemblyperson Badrul Hisham's decision to quit PKR , Anwar again admitted that there are flaws in PKR's selection process.

"We admit that the selection process before March 8 (has caused us) to choose those who did not show worthy performance and qualification. We were still new and I apologise for this weakness," he conceded.

Anwar shared that he had a meeting with Badrul to discuss his performance and absence from the state assembly sittings about seven months ago.

"At the time I noticed he had personal problems. I advised him to resolve his problems and improve his performance. I viewed his situation with some sympathy," he said.

He added that PKR candidates now undergo training, are reviewed and assessed, and that those fielded in the future will be those who are qualified and have a good track record of performance.