Suhakam inquiry gets heated during questioning of Perlis mufti
12th Apr 2018
KUALA LUMPUR: Proceedings at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) inquiry into missing activist Amri Che Mat became heated when Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (pic) was giving his testimony.
Bar Council lawyer Siti Kasim had grilled Dr Mohd Asri during his testimony, who was visibly annoyed with her line of questioning.
She had asked his opinion if Syiah teachings could threaten national security.
Her questions included whether Dr Asri knew that he had been accused of being a Wahabi Muslim.
Siti also asked Dr Asri if he agreed that Islamic State leader Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi was a Sunni, and he retorted by asking her how she knew that was the case.
There were several more exchanges before Suhakam commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai stepped in and reminded both parties to maintain decorum during the inquiry.
Earlier, Dr Asri said he had told Amri that he was free to practise his Syiah beliefs as long as he did it in the confines of his own home.
He also claimed that Amri had told him that he believed in Syiah teachings and practised “contract marriages”, among other things.
“I don’t want to disturb the thoughts of these people. That is in your head and your decision. But when you conduct activities and people complain, it involves a question of peace,” he said in his testimony.
Dr Asri also said he also had a one-on-one meeting with Amri at his office on Oct 22, 2015, one day after visiting him at home in Padang Bohor, Perlis, as he had received informal complaints about Amri.
Asked about how he learned of Amri’s disappearance, Dr Asri said it was through news reports.
He added that he did not have any information about Amri’s whereabouts.
Amri had driven his in his SUV out from his home in Kangar at about 11.30pm on Nov 24, 2016.
His vehicle was later found at the construction site of the Bukit Cabang Sports School.
The inquiry is being held to investigate the disappearances of Amri, Pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife Ruth Sitepu.
The Suhakam inquiry is held under Section 12(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act.
Suhakam ceased the inquiry into Pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance in January this year because a suspect had been charged in court in relation to the case.
Lin to full article found at:
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/04/12/questioning-of-perlis-mufti-at-suhakam-inquiry-gets-heated/#2vIY7RyqebkgSDRP.99