Jawi’s appeal move a shock for Nik Raina

PETALING JAYA: Just as a bookstore manager thought she was free from the federal religious authority's charges against her for distribution of books against the precepts of Islam, the latter does not want to let her go.
The Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi), the home minister and the minister in the prime minister's department had, at the 11th hour, filed for leave to appeal to the Federal Court to overturn the Court of Appeal's ruling in favour of Borders bookstore branch manager Nik Raina Nik Abdul Aziz (pix).
"My whole family was so shocked with this news. We were also very disappointed as we never expected this to continue again," Nik Raina told theSun today.
"The most affected was my dad as he is so concerned about me. Although I am married he still cares about me as we are very close to each other," she said.
"Regarding my job, I am lucky to work with a company that is very understanding and tolerant. There has been so much support since day one from all the bosses and my colleagues," she added.
Berjaya Books Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Yau Su Peng, in a statement, said its plea to Jawi to drop the charges against Nik Raina had fallen on deaf ears.
Pointing to the fact that both the High Court and Court of Appeal have handed down decisions in favour of Borders and Nik Raina, Yau said Nik Raina had only performed her duties as the store manager.
"What else do we need to do in order to defend our employee's right to work?" Yau asked.
Last Dec 30, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision that Jawi had acted unconstitutionally when it seized copies of Canadian Muslim author Irshad Manji's books Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta and "Allah, Liberty and Love" in its raid at Borders bookstore, where Nik Raina was the store manager.
On Jan 28, Jawi had sought its final chance to overturn the High Court and Court of Appeal's decision that it had acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally during its raid in Borders on May 23, 2012.
The case has also caused public uproar, especially in the social media where many voiced their support and solidarity for Nik Raina, and slammed Jawi for its actions.
Nik Raina was charged under Section 13 (1) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territory) Act for allegedly selling and distributing a book that was contrary to Islamic laws.
If convicted, she can be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed up to two years, or both.