KOTA KINABALU: Investigations into the deviant Ahmadiyah Qadiani group will start on Wednesday, says state religious Exco Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif (pic).
The Local Government and Housing minister said the state, through the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains), will start taking statements and opening investigation papers on those who were detained and released on bail over the matter.
Existing laws will be used throughout the investigations, Arifin said.
He advised Muslims to always refer to authorised Islamic religious bodies and authorities before taking part in any religious programmes.
"Muslims can refer to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis), Jheains or the Sabah Mufti's office for clarification on any related subjects or doubts on any programmes held by anyone," Arifin said.
He said it was vital for the Muslim community to work together in preserving the doctrine of the religion and to prevent deviant Islamic teachings.
Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin said based on their findings, the organisers of the event had never applied to use the school premises for their programme on Thursday (May 28).
He said any programmes organised by outsiders in state educational institutions must abide by procedures and conditions approved by the department or education authorities.
"We will work with the Jheains and police with the investigations," Raisin said.
On Saturday (May 30), a total of 300 people, including 12 leaders believed to be members of the Ahmadiyah Qadiani group, were arrested in an operation at a school hall in Likas.
The operation followed public complaints about activities believed to deviate from Islamic teachings.
Kota Kinabalu acting OCPD Supt Syed Lot Syed Abdul Rahman said on Monday (June 1) that the operation was conducted after the department received a public complaint on May 28 regarding a programme that took place from Friday (May 28) to Saturday ( May 29).
The individuals were later released on police bail.
The case is being investigated under Section 52(1), Section 52A and Section 102 of the Sabah State syariah criminal offences enactment 1995.
