The Federal Territory Religious Department (Jawi) which has been assailed over a controversial raid on a nightspot recently, today found a friend in the form of Islamic-based opposition party PAS.

The party's Federal Territory Youth wing commended the department for its 'bold effort' in cracking down on errant Muslims.

In a statement, it lauded the Jawi officers for executing their duty "sincerely and with utmost dedication".

The Jan 20 raid earned notoriety after it was reported that Jawi officers had, among others, verbally abused the scores of Muslim women detained by passing lewd remarks about their attire and taking photographs of them.

One of the women was also allegedly denied permission to go to the washroom, forcing her to relieve herself in her pants.

The reports led many quarters to bay for Jawi's blood and question the need for 'moral policing'. Last week, it was reported that even the cabinet had decided to do away with such practices.

Encourage raids

However, the PAS Youth wing begged to differ and instead suggested that the government and non-governmental organisations encourage more raids to curb social crimes and moral decay.

"Nightclubs which sell alcohol openly or not, should not be accessible to Muslim patrons," it said.

The wing also supported Women and Family Development Minister Sharizat Abdul Jalil's proposal that such raids be carried out in the presence of women officials in future.

As for the controversial raid, it said an investigation must be held to verify the authenticity of the allegations.

The wing called on Jawi to defend itself in the face of all these allegations and on the same note extend an apology if there were negligence or inappropriate actions on the part of its officers.

It also registered surprise that Muslim women were found in a nightclub on the eve of Hari Raya Aidiladha and termed it as an 'embarrassment'.