00:00Sarawak does not intend to emulate Terengganu by implementing public caning for Sharia offences,
00:07says State Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamza.
00:11Karim acknowledged the right of individual states to enact such laws, but said he doubts
00:15it would be imposed in Sarawak as the penalties in place already meet the state's needs.
00:20The senior Gabongan party Sarawak leader said the question as to whether the punishment
00:24was cruel or inhumane was an entirely separate matter.
00:28He noted that caning under Sharia law was not similar to the whippings prescribed by
00:32the penal code, adding that the former was not as forceful and designed to serve as a
00:37deterrent.
00:38He said if members of the public feel that the law is cruel or humiliating, they should
00:42raise their concerns with the government or through the media.
00:45Last week, past spiritual leader Hashim Jassin urged all states to follow Terengganu's
00:50lead by introducing public caning for certain Sharia offences.
00:54Hashim's comments came after repeat halwat offender Afendi Awang, 42, was caned six times
00:59in front of 90 witnesses at the Al-Muqtafi Bila Shah Mosque in Kuala Terengganu last
01:04Friday.
01:05Dhanushar Jareza, FMT News.
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