Sultan wants explanation over arrest powers for mosque officials
Sultan Sharafuddin signs the ‘The Mysterious And Magic World Of Fireflies Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor’ book yesterday. On the left is Khalid. The palace is said to be displeased with Hasan’s latest move. — Bernama pic
SHAH ALAM, Aug 27 — Datuk Dr Hasan Ali may have exceeded his powers by unilaterally empowering mosque officials to arrest Muslims caught drinking alcohol, without first consulting the Selangor Sultan.
As the head of Islam in Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah should have been consulted before the move was announced to the public, and state officials yesterday confirmed that “the Sultan is seeking an explanation”.
The Selangor PAS commissioner announced the controversial decision on Monday.
Those being empowered to make arrests without a warrant under the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 include imans and bilals.
The message from the palace is believe to have been conveyed through Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who met the Sultan yesterday.
State executive council members will be seeking an audience with the Sultan soon.
Earlier this month, Hassan courted controversy when he backed an illegal move by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to seize beer from a 7-Eleven outlet and called for beer to be banned in Muslim-majority areas.
The matter was laid to rest when Khalid successfully called on retail outlets to practise self regulation.
This latest controversial decision by Hassan, who is in charge of Islamic affairs, has also raised the ire of his executive council colleagues who were caught by surprise by the announcement.
The weekly exco meeting yesterday was described as “heated” as the matter was discussed.
According to Section 18 of the enactment, Muslims can be fined up to RM3,000, jailed up to two years or sentenced to both, for drinking in public.
Muslims also can be fined up to RM5,000, jailed for three years or both for selling, offering to sell and displaying beer and alcohol.
However during a press conference after the exco meeting yesterday, Hassan said mosque officials would only be allowed to arrest Muslims caught drinking openly.
Khalid, who was also at the press conference, said Pakatan Rakyat would take into account concerns of Muslims and non-Muslims before implementing any regulations.
He added that Muslims working in the food and beverage industry which serves alcohol should not be worried about being arrested.
source : www.themalaysianinsider.com
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