Sharia: Malaysian state introduces public canings

A state in Malaysia has introduced public canings for people who break Sharia law, despite strong criticism from politicians and rights campaigners. The PAS party approved the law in the Kelatan state assembly, where they are the ruling party.  Unlike the majority of the Malaysia, the northern province already has strict Sharia laws in place […]

A state in Malaysia has introduced public canings for people who break Sharia law, despite strong criticism from politicians and rights campaigners.

The PAS party approved the law in the Kelatan state assembly, where they are the ruling party. 

Unlike the majority of the Malaysia, the northern province already has strict Sharia laws in place including a ban on nightclubs and cinemas.

Islamic law is followed throughout the country but it is usually restricted to personal and family issues.

The majority of people in Kelantan are Muslims but there are also Christians, Buddhists and Hindus.

Caning was introduced as part of an effort to streamline sentencing under Islamic criminal law, according to the Bernama state news agency. 

It “can now be carried out inside or outside of prison,” said Kelantan deputy chief minister Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah. “This is in line with the religion, which requires that sentencing must be done in public.”

It was unclear which crimes will be punishable with caning, but it is thought that adultery and drinking alcohol will be included.

The view that caning was in line with Islam was met with criticism from the Sisters in Islam (SII), a women’s rights campaign group.

It said it was “appalled” by the decision, in a statement. 

“We demand for the Kelantan state government to reveal to us where exactly in the Holy Quran does it command punishments such as public caning,” said SII. (UK Independent)