They called a press conference to refute allegations that there was an attempt to revive the banned Al-Arqam sect. But soon after the press conference was over, they were detained by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais).

The two Rufaqa Corporation Sdn Bhd officers were arrested in connection with the alleged efforts to revive the banned sect, which is said to be propagating devisionist Islamic teachings.

Abu Zarim Tahrim (left), a Rufaqa director, and Zulkifli Awang Kechik (right), the corporation's secretary, held a press conference today at Rufaqa's office in Country Homes, Rawang, this morning.

Abu Zarin is also the special officer to former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad ( below ), who owns Rufaqa.

After the press conference ended at about 11.20 am, five Jais officers headed by the department's deputy director for enforcement Shahizan Ahmad, went up to the first floor to meet Abu Zarin and Zulkifli.

One of them read out the charge to the duo before leading them to a Jais vehicle.

Abu Zarin and Zulkifli were arrested under Section 12 (C) and 13 of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment for violating a fatwa (edict) and trying to revive Al-Arqam.

On Sunday, Jais raided another Rufaqa building in Shah Alam and arrested 100 people, including four 'sheikhs' who were alleged to be leaders of the corporation.

Rufaqa denies

However, Rufaqa deputy director Laila Ahmad refuted the allegations. She also said the corporation had no intentions to revive the banned sect.

Laila, who is Ashaari's daughter-in-law, claimed that certain quarters are deliberately trying to discredit the company which is a successful business entity with interests ranging from holiday resorts to restaurants.

She said the company was set up with the purpose to uplift the economic condition of Muslims and has nothing to do with Al-Arqam.

However, she conceded that many former Al-Arqam members have joined Rufaqa.

"Just because many former Al-Arqam members have joined Rufaqa, it does not mean that we want to revive the movement.

"Apart from being a business entity owned by Muslims, Rufaqa is not involved in politics or any other area," she added.

She also denied the allegation that her father-in-law wants to revive the banned movement.

"Ashaari himself is happy that the government has banned Al-Arqam. In fact, he is ill now, how can he revive the movement?

"He has explained to the authorities that he has no intentions to revive the movement. He is now resting in Nilai (Negeri Sembilan). If it is true that he is trying revive Al-Arqam, surely the authorities would have arrested him by now," she said.