KHALID Abu Bakar told the Suhakam inquiry today that a raid on a Shia gathering in Perak could have been done following notations he jotted down on a letter police received about it.

The former inspector-general of police said he had written on a copy of a letter Shia members sent to the Prime Minister’s Department informing it that they will be holding a camp to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet’s daughter, Zainab, in Perak.

Khalid jotted down instructions on the letter based on the National Fatwa Council’s prohibition of Shia practice among Muslims in the country.

“My understanding is that there are legal implications because in Perak, the fatwa was gazetted. 

“To a certain extent, the raid could have happened (because of my instructions) in the letter,” he told the inquiry today. 

Lawyers representing missing activist Amri Che Mat said police carried out the raid based on Khalid’s orders in the copy of the letter from the Perak Shia community to the Prime Minister’s Department in 2014. 

Khalid told the Perak police chief that Shia practice was banned, according to a national fatwa (edict).

He said any Shia gathering is also prohibited and the police must stop any attempt by the group to assemble and inform him of developments. 

Perak police joined by the state Islamic Affairs Department raided the event and arrested 114 attendees, including Amri. 

All detainees were released the next day and no one was charged.

Amri’s family lawyer Larissa Louis asked Khalid if the operation was initiated by the police and not the religious authorities. 

Khalid disagreed and said the National Fatwa Council prohibited Shia and they were carrying out their duties in accordance with law. 

“Police can take action based on the Peaceful Assembly Act. 

“The government came up with a policy that it is prohibited, then they (police) must take action. 

“Not all Shia are dangerous, but it is possible that some can become extremists,” he told the hearing.

 Amri is believed to have been abducted by a group of people in 4WD vehicles in Kg Padang Behor.

 He also is allegedly to be spreading Shia teachings in Perlis. – August 28, 2018.