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It appears that the problem has come from the internal conflicts among the religious clerics themselves. There are some conservative clerics who are unable to accept Mohd Asri's interpretation of Islamic teachings, and have looked to religious authority to tame him down. By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily
In the past: They used to tackle shops that sold liquor legally, and no one said a word. They used to violate people's freedom of attire and lifestyle, and no one voiced a protest. They used to clamp down on parties and concerts, and everyone was speechless. They used to hold up consumers staying up late at night joints, and everyone kept silent. They used to raid hotels and homes and interrupt couples, and the society quietly approved. This time: They turn against their own people, religious clerics on the opposite side of the line. But they have miscalculated their chances this time round. I was talking about the Selangor Religious Department (JAIS). Two nights ago, JAIS sent a team of enforcers to get a renowned young cleric called Mohd Asri. The 25 JAIS enforcers, along with the 35 accompanying policemen, had to come face to face with Mohd Asri's 500-strong supporters. Fortunately no untoward incident took place. Mohd Asri was ordered to report himself at the religious court the following day and be prepared to face the charges against him. The news broke loose very quickly and before long we heard voices of objection arising from all over the place. JAIS suddenly realised their tough actions carried out in the name of religion had now met with stubborn backlash. On the second day, Mohd Asri appeared at the Islamic court, but no one from JAIS was present. What had Mohd Asri done that put him on JAIS' wanted list? JAIS didn't put it too clearly. The only reason offered was that he had been giving out religious lessons without a permit. This reason was nevertheless too weak and unconvincing. Thousands of religious lessons are being given out across the country on a daily basis. It shouldn't be too much a problem, nor an issue, so long as there are people willing to talk and people willing to listen. Moreover, Mohd Asri is not a nobody. He is one of the most renowned clerics in this country, and was once the youngest state cleric in the country (Perlis). He is known for his reforms and progressive views on religion. He has voice up on a number of sensitive issues in the past, including conversion and the rights of Muslim women, and has won the support of many young and open-minded Muslims. Given his status, it is natural that he should deliver his lessons. Moreover, he is currently talking about Islamic teachings on a TV show. It appears that the problem has come from the internal conflicts among the religious clerics themselves. There are some conservative clerics who are unable to accept Mohd Asri's interpretation of Islamic teachings, and have looked to religious authority to tame him down. His recent appointment as the chairman of Malaysian Islamic Da'wah Foundation (YADIM) may also trigger a similar backlash. As if that is not enough, the entire issue has been politically inspired. Mohd Asri has always been someone BN and PAS have tried hard to woo, and his admission into either party would help it win the support of more open-minded Muslims. It has been said that if he ultimately joins PAS, the many conservatives within the party will feel instantly threatened, including the notorious PAS Selangor commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali. And it happens that the boss of JAIS is Hasan Ali. Isn't that a coincidence?
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