Razman Ramli, who is now attached to the Kangar district police, said he was aware that Shia Islam was outlawed as it deviated from the Sunni belief as practised in Malaysia.

“It (the file) was there before I took over the job in the (Perlis Special Branch) social extremism division (in 2016),” he said.

Razman was testifying in a lawsuit brought by the wife of missing activist Amri Che Mat against the government, the police force and 19 others, including himself, over the conduct of the home ministry and the police during their investigations into Amri’s disappearance in 2016.

Norhayati Ariffin is suing the defendants for breach of law, breach of statutory duties, misfeasance in public office, and negligence.

Razman told the court that Amri was among those monitored as the Perlis religious department had identified him as a Shia follower.

However, he insisted that the branch did not keep a dedicated file to track Amri’s religious activity.

Under cross-examination by lawyer Surendra Ananth, appearing for Norhayati, Razman insisted that the police did not conduct any surveillance on Amri.

“I did not receive any public complaints about Amri (spreading Shia teachings),” he added.

The hearing continues before Justice Su Tiang Joo on July 1.