Decision on Kassim Ahmad's application to challenge Jawi's action is set for Dec 19

The High Court (Appellate and Special Powers Division) here set Dec 19 for a decision on an application by former social and political activist Dr Kassim Ahmad to obtain a judicial review to quash a decision by the Federal Territories Syarie Prosecution chief in having him charged at the Syariah High Court in Putrajaya.

Judge Datuk Asmabi Mohamad set the date after hearing submissions by lawyer Rosli Dahlan representing Kassim and senior federal counsel Suzana Atan and Maisarah Juhari, acting for Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, Federal Territories Syarie Chief Prosecutor Ibrahim Deris, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Government of Malaysia,

Earlier, Rosli, in his submission, said Jawi's actions in prosecuting Kassim for allegedly insulting Islam are illegal.

He argued that Jawi had no jurisdiction and power to conduct a cross-border action against Kassim.

Besides that, Rosli argued that the warrant of arrest issued by the Putrajaya Syariah subordinate court was in breach of the Federal Territories Syariah Criminal Procedure Code and Kedah Syariah Enactments.