Former Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainol Abidin today indicated that he may join politics so that he can continue with his dakwah (preaching) activities.

Although he had no prior intention of joining politics as he was more interested in the propagation of Islamic thinking, he said, he would do so as a last resort if that could provide him with a platform to continue engaging in dakwah activities.

NONE "If all avenues are closed and I cannot speak unless I am doing so on apolitical platform, then I will have to rethink my next move.

"I hope this won't happen," he told reporters after meeting Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at the latter's office in Kota Darulnaim today.

He was responding to reporters' question whether he would join politics to pursue his preaching activities following his detention by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on Nov 2 for conducting a religious class without a certification of authority.

'Show of respect'

Meanwhile, Asri denied that the meeting with Nik Abdul Aziz was a prelude of him joining politics.

He said that he met Nik Abdul Aziz a show of respect as the Kelantan menteri besar was supportive of his dakwah movement.

He also denied that he subscribed to Wahhabism, saying the accusation was not new.

Asri's arrest had ignited a storm of protest, with numerous quarters, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, questioning the motive.

It was speculated that his detention could have been related to his proposed appointment as the new president of the Islamic Da'wah Foundation of Malaysia.

His appointment was opposed by the Syarie Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM) on the grounds that he had insulted certain Islamic scholars.

The association had also sent a memorandum, backed by the 13 Muslim non-governmental organisations, to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on this matter.