Mais fails to be intervener in case of Sarawak-born Jill Ireland

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Religious Islamic Council (Mais) has failed to become an intervener in the case of Sarawak-born Jill Ireland, who had filed for a judicial review against the Home Ministry and government in 2008.
High Court judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin dismissed Mais's application with no order as to the cost, in her chambers, today.
Outside the court, Mais's lawyer Haniff Khatri said the court found that the application by Mais does not fall into the category of "direct interest" to intervene.
Hence, Haniff said, the application was dismissed.
He also said the court, then, allowed an application to make Mais as "amicus curiae" (a friend of the court).
Haniff said as "amicus curiae" Mais will assist the court to give the Islamic opinion as to the use of the word "Kalimah Allah", for the consideration of the court.
He said the court fixed March 30, 2017 for a case management and the hearing of the review is fixed on June 19, this year.
Mais had filed to become an intervener on Dec 16, 2016.
Jill had filed the review application challenging the seizure of eight CD's containing the word "Allah" by the Home Ministry, on Aug 20, 2008.
Jill had sought for a declaration that she can import the CD's on the basis that she has the rights under "Freedom of Religion", which is stated under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
She is sought for a declaration that she has rights for equality, as stated under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, and guaranteed and protected from any discrimination on the basis of religion.
On June 23, 2015, the Court of Appeal ordered the release of the CD's, which was returned to her later, and for the case to be remitted to the High Court, to hear the arguments on other declaratory reliefs.