MPs from both sides of aisle have hit out at the arrest of former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, saying an ulama should be allowed to hold ceramah "anywhere in the country".

Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) raised the issue when debating the Budget, and both Barisan and Opposition MPs voiced their disapproval over the Selangor Religious Affairs Department's move.

On Sunday, Dr Mohd Asri was arrested for holding an Islamic lecture in Selangor without a permit.

Abdul Ghapur urged the Federal Government to look into the matter as an ulama, who was giving a ceramah anywhere in the country, should be given recognition.

"I also appeal to the National Fatwa Council to coordinate the religious rules in the country. It is odd if an ulama is not allowed to deliver a ceramah, unless he is preaching deviant teachings," he said.

Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) and Dr Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR-Ampang) supported the call for a uniform set of religious laws.

"Jais should give a full explanation why such actions were taken against a mufti," said Azmin.

Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau) said it was "strange" that Dr Mohd Asri was brought to the Ulu Kelang police station but the police officers had only asked to check his identification card before releasing him on a police bond.

"There was also a no-show by Jais officers at the court today," he said.