Anti Vice Group Chief Ready To Meet Mujahid Police

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Amid warnings of possible action by authorities, local anti-vice group Badar Squad has maintained that its planned comeback is intended to help fight immoral practice among the Malays and Muslims
Online portal The Malaysian Insight quoted Badar Squad founder Azhar Mohamad (photo), who denied de facto Religious Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa's reported remarks that the group’s activities in Sungai Petani, Kedah would create havoc
Azhar, who is also the group's chairperson, said they are open to meet Mujahid and the police to discuss necessary guidelines for their activities
"The religious authorities are unable to check on illegal activities at 4am or 5am. They only work from 8am to 5pm
"The people are daring enough to participate in immoral activities openly. That is why our squad wants to help fight this," he said."If there is something wrong with what we do, please provide us with guidelines," Azhar was further quoted as saying
On Saturday, Mujahid reportedly warned of possible chaos as such actions by private groups will only overlap with ongoing enforcement by religious authorities as well as the police
Azhar, who expressed readiness to meet with the minister, said the way forward would be for his group to be guided on the extent of their authority
"This issue will only become complicated if we do not meet and talk. I am ready to meet Mujahid," Azhar was quoted as saying
Among others, the Badar squad's unauthorised activities include raiding budget hotels around Sungai Petani and taking unwed couples caught in close proximity (khalwat) to the cemetery where they will be counselled
As part of its comeback plans, Azhar last week said the group will apply to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to adopt a new name - Badar al-Kubra - with "kubra" meaning big in Arabic
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mazlan Mansor also previously warned the Badar Squad to keep away from vigilante activities
"We would like to advise the group not to act in any way that is against the law because they are not a legitimate religious enforcement body and do not have any power to conduct religious raids," said Mazlan
According to The Malaysian Insight, Azhar said he was also ready to meet the police so that "they know what we want"
In April, Azhar and six others were fined RM1,000 each after pleading guilty to joining an illegal organisation because Badar squad was not registered with the RoS. - Mkini

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