KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — The police do not have the authority to investigate Shiites on religious grounds as Islamic offences fall under state jurisdiction, and not the federal government, a lawyer said today.

Civil liberties lawyer Syahredzan Johan pointed out that the police are only empowered to assist state religious authorities for matters like helping them enter premises for example, or ensuring the safety of religious officers.

“Enforcement of syariah state enactments are under the purview of the individual states,” Syahredzan told The Malay Mail Online today.

“Therefore, enforcement of syariah laws is by state religious authorities. Police only assist,” he added.

The Home Ministry is planning to set up a “syariah police” team to work with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to curb the growth of the outlawed Shiah sect.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday that the clampdown against Shiites is to prevent ideological turmoil in the Middle East from spreading to Malaysia, citing Shiite-majority Iraq as an example.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar reportedly said earlier today that the Shiah community in Malaysia is a “militant movement”, pointing out that some of those arrested by counter-terrorism police were Shiites.

He was quoted as saying by news portal The Malaysian Insider that the Shiah movement needed to be monitored to prevent an outbreak of violence, as what had resulted from the tension between Sunnis and Shiites in Pakistan.

But Syahredzan insisted that the police could only investigate Shiites for security or terrorism offences, but not solely on the basis of their religious beliefs.

Putrajaya has, in recent months, stepped up its campaign against Shiah teachings and followers in Malaysia, a move that critics have said is likely politically motivated.

Yesterday, the Home Ministry revealed purported evidence of PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu’s alleged links to the Shiah movement, citing the Islamist opposition party leader’s admiration for the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as well as his alleged recitation of a Shiah prayer.

Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, has denounced such allegations as “lies” and said yesterday that he will consult his lawyers.