Jais: It was a check, not raid

The Star 
by TEH ENG HOCK

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) said it did not conduct a raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church, adding that it was only a “check”.

Jais director Marzuki Hussin said the “check” to look for Muslims was conducted together with the police at 9.45pm on Aug 3, adding that this was provided for under the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995.

He said the department had received information that a buka puasa was to be held together with a thanksgiving dinner at the church.

Marzuki said discussions with the organisers was held outside the function hall of the church, which did not constitute a raid, adding that Jais had not acted aggressively or trespassed into the church.

“In fact, Jais officials asked for permission to enter and were allowed into the hall where they waited. They conducted the check after the ceremony was over at 11pm,” he said.

Stressing that Jais enforcement officers did not act aggressively that night, Marzuki said he was disappointed that Jais' action had been deemed unethical, although the officers were only performing their duties.

“Only after the ceremony, which was attended by about 100 people, was over did we perform the check.

“In less than 10 minutes, Jais enforcement officers and the police were directed to leave the hall by the organisers.

“Although the act challenges the powers of Jais and the police in enforcing the law on Muslims, Jais and the police did not detain the organisers or make any arrest,” he said.

He said 12 Muslims were present, adding that they only had their particulars recorded and were asked to attend a counselling session with Jais.