The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has appealed against the Shariah High Court’s decision to discharge a Muslim manager of bookstore chain Borders Malaysia for selling and distributing a book it considered un-Islamic.
The appeal against the ruling was filed on March 9, news portal Malaysiakini reported today.
Berjaya Books Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Yau Su Peng told the news portal that Nik Raina Nik Abdul Aziz received the notice on Friday and questioned why the letter was not addressed to Nik Raina's lawyer, Rosli Dahlan, which was normal procedure.
"I can't help but wonder if that action was meant to further intimidate Nik Raina. She is understandably upset over this," Yau told Malaysiakini.
The bookstore manager was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the Shariah High Court on February 26, on a charge of selling and distributing a book which authorities said contravened Islamic laws.
Rosli had told reporters outside court that the decision was unexpected, but hailed the court for showing a full understanding of constitutional principles by freeing Nik Raina.
She was charged under Section 13 (1) of the Shariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act, which carried the punishment of up to RM3,000 fine or up to two years jail, or both, upon conviction.
On May 23, 2012, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) conducted a raid at the bookstore and subsequently Nik Raina was accused by the religious authority of breaching Islamic laws by distributing or selling Irshad Manji's book, "Allah, Liberty and Love".
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