All the arrests made by the Terengganu religious authorities (JHEAT) in the two raids on Kampung Batu 13, the commune led by Ayah Pin in Hulu Besut, Terengganu are unlawful, said a chief inspector.

Azli Karsani, ( photo, right ) identified for the first time as the Perak-based police officer and follower of the self-styled spiritual leader, was arrested during the July 2 raid and has since been suspended from active duty.

Registering his complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), he said the authorities had violated stipulated regulations and procedures.

"In my experience as an investigating officer, I dare say that the arrests and detention of the villagers are unlawful," he told three Suhakam commissioners in Kuala Lumpur today.

"Being religious authorities, I would have expected them to be more aware of the laws and regulations," he added.

Procedural violations

Citing several procedural violations allegedly committed by JHEAT officers, he said a set of complaints had been sent to nine federal agencies and legal and rights bodies for action but there has been no response to date.

"I've been trained to uphold the truth and law. I believe that all Malaysians have a right to know what is happening to us," he said.

"I used to be a corrupt police officer but after meeting Ayah Pin three years ago, I became aware of integrity and tried to discharge my duties accordingly."

Azli and 20 other Ayah Pin followers today registered a series of rights infringements on behalf of the inhabitants residing in the village that is also known as the Sky Kingdom commune, naming state and federal ministers and several government agencies.

Those named were Abdullah Mohd Zin in his capacity as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of religious affairs and Besut member of parliament and Terengganu Menteri Besar Idris Jusoh.

The Terengganu religious affairs department (JHEAT), the police, the National Fatwa Council and the group of mobsters who had attacked the village at dawn on July 18 were also mentioned in the four-page complaint letter addressed to Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman.

The group, mostly followers in KL, also appealed to Suhakam for protection against further rights violations.

Suhakam complaints and inquiry working group chairperson Prof Mohd Hamdan Adnan, N Siva Subramaniam and Tunku Naziah Tunku Mohamed Rus heard the complaints. Several secretariat staff were also present.

Hamdan ( photo, right ) said they would contact the police with regards to the 48 followers currently remanded at the Pengkalan Chepa prison pending tomorrow's proceeding at the Besut syariah court.

"But what is more important is to catch those who violated the law by attacking the village. Immediate action must be taken against them," he noted.

"The injustice here lies in the victimisation of the victims with the perpetrators roaming freely."

Authorities in Terengganu and neighbouring states are hunting for the elusive 65 year-old whose real name is Ariffin Muhammad for leading alleged deviant practices at the two-hectare village.

Living together peacefully

Nor Hazam Md Rashid, a freelance musician who performs in KL's clubs and hotel lounges, defended the commune and Ayah Pin's philosophy as a last resort of sorts for many troubled souls.

"Life as a musician is tough and after learning about Ayah Pin I found a way out. But what is being reported is totally the opposite of reality," he said, referring to intense media coverage in recent weeks.

"At the commune, I met people of different races and nationalities. What we are looking for is peaceful existence with everyone regardless of race, colour or creed.

"Just by going there doesn't mean we lose our beliefs. I'm still a Muslim and I follow the religious principles."

Nor Hazam is among the 21 followers who were arrested in a July 2 raid by JHEAT and will be charged for violating a 1997 fatwa against Ayah Pin's teachings on Aug 23.

He described life at the Sky Kingdom commune as 'one of mutual respect' among the different races, something he said that people may find as very strange.

"We've never violated any laws. We only want to live peacefully. I don't see what all the fuss is about.

"As Malaysians, we should accept the fact that there is freedom in how we live our lives and express ourselves."

He said he would readily reject bodies that try to dictate people's life, thoughts and beliefs.

"I'm not disputing the fatwa. I'm only defending the right to live in peace."

Rozaini Razali, 44, a reformed drug addict since meeting Ayah Pin five years ago, broke down while describing how young children were left behind after the second raid on the morning of July 20.

"I can't stand the cruel treatment the village children had to endure ... they are all so young. The religious officers just left them behind and took the parents and other adults," he said, crying.

"Even a bad person like me would know that it is very wrong."

Frightening experience

Recounting the mob attack, New Zealander Judith Lillian MacDonald described it as one of the most frightening experiences in her life.

"I'm shocked with the violence I saw and heard that day, especially in a country like Malaysia which boasts of peace and racial harmony.

"I always thought it was safer here than Indonesia where I have lived over the last seven to eight years."

Last Wednesday, she was arrested together with 58 others in a JHEAT-led raid but was released the following day after the syariah court determined her to be a Christian.

"I said that I'm still a Christian in my heart but I also told the judge that I'm a Muslim by law as I'm married to an Indonesian Muslim," she said.

"Now, I'm ashamed to call myself a Muslim especially after witnessing such violence in a so-called peaceful Muslim country."

Referring to Ayah Pin, she said: "I'm right behind Ayah Pin here because at worst he causes no harm and at best he teaches peaceful co-existence."

Appalling treatment

Describing her time at the Jerteh police lock-up, MacDonald said what the followers had to undergo was appalling and below international human rights standards.

"When we told the religious officers about the conditions, they said they were not the police. Does this mean they are above the law?"

The followers were accompanied to Suhakam by Malaysian Human Rights Society (Hakam) immediate past president Ramdas Tikamdas, exco member Raja Aziz Addruse and secretary-general Elizabeth Wong.

Earlier, Ramdas urged Suhakam to immediately probe into the allegations with a view of a public inquiry and a report on the matter.

"As a matter of urgency, I have full confidence in Suhakam's ability to discharge its statutory duties."

Referring to the mob attack, Raja Aziz said there appeared to be a "serious breakdown of law and order" which, if left unchecked, could undermine democracy and the rights of the minority which must be protected.