Recently, a man in Terengganu became the first to receive public caning after he committed khalwat. The event led to criticisms from Malaysians with many calling it inhumane and cruel.
However, certain sections of the country seem to believe that more states should follow the same example.
According to PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, all states should follow Terengganu’s lead in publicly caning a man convicted by the shariah court for khalwat.
Hashim said public caning “is not cruel or humiliating” and should be emulated to “uphold and honour Islamic law”, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
“(Public caning) serves to raise awareness not only among the offenders, but also among those who witness the punishment.”
“By witnessing the caning, the public will not commit the same offence. I believe not only states governed by PAS, but all states should prepare for this (public caning),” he added.
Meanwhile, just yesterday, it was reported that the Kelantan government was considering the possibility of carrying out public caning for Shariah criminal offences.
Executive councillor Asri Mat Daud said the state’s Shariah criminal enactment, which was amended in 2017, already allowed public whipping for certain offences.
What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments.
