Two PAS leaders and an ulama (Muslim religious scholar) will be charged with illegal assembly for allegedly participating in a demonstration against a forum on the freedom of religion by Article 11 in Penang.

The PAS leaders are its Bukit Bendera deputy chief Abdul Rahim Ismail and its state deputy youth chief Hafiz Nordin. The ulama was identified as Shauhul Hamid.

PAS state youth committee member Saiful Lizan Mohd Yusuf told malaysiakini the trio received an order asking them to be present at the Timur Laut Sessions Court on Friday.

They were accused of participating in the illegal gathering outside Hotel Cititel on May 14 between 8am and 10.30am. They will be charged under Section 27(5) of the Police Act 1967.

In the demonstration, some 500 people armed with placards and banners called for the forum to be cancelled. However, its organisers continued with the programme until the police intervened.

The demonstration drew flak from various quarters, including Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who also advised those discussing religions to exercise caution as it is a sensitive issue.

Believed to be the organisers

Meanwhile, Saiful Liza revealed that Abdul Rahim, Hafiz and Shauhul were previously questioned by the police over the incident.

"The police believe that they were the organisers and leaders of the demonstration," he said.

PAS Penang and several other organisations will arrange for their legal representation, he added.

Article 11 organised a similar programme in Johor Bharu on Sarurday amid heavy police presence. Despite some 500 protestors taking to the streets, no untoward incidents were reported.

Detractors claimed that these forums challenged the standing of Islam in Malaysia.