Personal dissatisfaction over traffic congestion during Friday prayers at Surau Taman Seraya, Ampang, has prompted objections from a resident who is now under remand for a sedition probe.
According to reports, Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar said initial investigations revealed that the 46-year-old man had acted on personal motives and was not influenced by any other parties.
“However, the police are continuing their investigation to determine if there are other elements.
“This is because we are conducting investigations from multiple aspects and angles,” Shazeli said during a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent headquarters today.
Last Friday, the management of the Taman Seraya surau lodged police reports against the individual who allegedly objected to the azan (call to prayer) and the holding of Friday prayers on the premises.
Separately, Teratai assemblyperson Yew Jia Haur’s service centre, which tried to mediate the dispute, said it has also lodged a police report against the person.
Probed under 3 laws
Shazeli revealed today that the suspect is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 298 of the Penal Code for acts that wound the religious feelings of others, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He added that investigations showed the suspect had been unemployed for some time and resides in the housing area.
“Insya Allah, we will submit the completed investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for further action,” he added, according to Malay daily Kosmo!.
Shazeli, in a press statement on Sunday, said the suspect was arrested for allegedly defying an order by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on Friday prayers held at Surau Taman Seraya.
However, Malaysiakini understands the order refers to a general decree - reportedly issued on Oct 23, 2017 - permitting the use of loudspeakers by mosques and surau for the azan, iqamah (second call to prayer), and Al-Quran recitations leading up to a prayer.
When contacted, Selangor Islamic affairs and cultural innovation committee chairperson Fahmi Ngah also cited a separate order for all mosques and surau in the state that has obtained approval from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to conduct Friday prayers.
“That is more of a legal issue. The Taman Seraya surau has obtained Jais approval since 2019, and the approval stands to this day,” Fahmi told Malaysiakini.
He also said he is unaware of whether a specific order has been issued in response to the Taman Seraya surau issue. - Mkini
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