©The Sun (Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 7, 2011): PAS will go down to the ground and meet with officials from Selangor Religious Islamic Department (Jais) and Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) to get a first hand account of what allegedly occurred during the raid on Wednesday night, said party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
Jais enforcement officers and the police had reportedly raided a multiracial fund–raising dinner held at the church, based on an allegation that Christians were proselytising to Muslim guests.
"So many people have spoken out (about the issue). But we must be fair. We must hear from the affected parties," Hadi told a press conference at PAS headquarters here, today, after chairing the party's monthly central working committee (CWC) meeting.
Among others, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had expressed regret over the incident, but Selangor exco Datuk Hasan Ali defended the move by Jais.
Hasan had reportedly said that the words "Quran" and "pray" were used in the presence of Muslims at the dinner function, claiming that this was part of Jais' evidence to justify conducting the raid.
"Hasan explained to the CWC that he also received information after the raid took place. So we need to get the relevant parties account before taking any stand," stressed Abdul Hadi.
The Maran MP also denied reports that Hasan was requested to meet with the CWC to defend his statements.
"Hasan is a member of the CWC and he came for the monthly meeting, not specifically to discuss the church raid issue," said Abdul Hadi.
He added, Hasan's position as Selangor exco was also not at stake, despite calls made by various quarters for him to step down or be subjected to stern actions for allegedly "breaking ranks" with the Selangor state government.
"As far as PAS is concerned, Hasan remains an exco. We have no issues with him."
Abdul Hadi's statement was also echoed by PAS secretary general Datuk Mustafa Ali who said: "We will leave state matters for the MB to resolve it together with the Agong."
Malay daily Utusan Malaysia's weekend edition today in its front page report quoted Hasan as saying he was willing to be sacked from his position, for the sake of "defending" Islam."
PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub meanwhile reiterated his call for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to convene an emergency parliamentary sitting to discuss a sudden increase in the number of permanent residents registered as voters.
Salahuddin said Pakatan Rakyat MPs will be submitting a letter which stated their request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today, and the latter will be given one week to respond.
At a separate news conference, the DAP said the raid conducted by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) at a church last week is highly regrettable.
Its secretary–general Lim Guan Eng said the party hopes to get a full explanation on the matter soon.
“We feel like its trespassing and encroaching (the rights of others) without any proof of wrong doing. It is highly regrettable,” said Lim who is also Penang chief minister.
He said that just because the function was held in a church compound, it did not mean that the guests also subscribe to the groups’ beliefs.
“If a school hall is rented (for a function) does it mean the school also subscribes to the (believes of the) organisation renting the hall?
“This is contrary to the rule of law and the freedom of religion,” said Lim.
In Shah Alam, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim appealed to the media not to discuss the controversy over the raid until all the facts are in.
He said they should wait for Jais' full report, Bernama reported.
"Media reports can be confusing and lead to speculation. I therefore ask that we do not discuss this matter until we have all the facts and a decision can be made," Abdul Khalid told reporters after presenting financial aid amounting to RM7,000 to 298 former settlers of Kampung Rimba Jaya here.
Abdul Khalid was asked about the position of chairman of the Committee for Islamic Affairs, Malay Customs, Infrastructure and Public Utilities Datuk Dr Hasan Mohd Ali who had stated his support for the JAIS action.
The Menteri Besar said he did not expect the report from JAIS to be completed before Hari Raya at the end of the month.
The raid occurred during an appreciation dinner at DUMC on Wednesday, held to commemorate the efforts of the NGO Harapan Komuniti to help women and children, victims of HIV/AIDS and natural disasters.
The event was attended by all races.