Thursday October 1, 2009
SIS: Caning Kartika undermines Govt’s efforts
PETALING JAYA: The decision to whip part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno for drinking beer undermines the Government’s efforts in portraying Malaysia as a moderate Islamic country, says Sisters in Islam (SIS).
SIS board member Zainah Anwar said that while the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have always tried to project Malaysia as a model Islamic country, whipping was unacceptable and could be seen as too severe.
She said Malaysia had attracted international attention because of the Kuantan Syariah High Court’s decision to whip the 32-year-old, along with other issues such as the fatwa on yoga and tomboys.
“Foreigners are interested to come to our country because of the moderate image we portray but, when they come here, they are shocked to find the level of conservatism practised. So where is this model Muslim country we have been trying to promote?” asked Zainah at a press conference at the SIS office yesterday.
SIS executive director Dr Hamidah Marican called for a repeal of laws which allow for whipping as punishment, regardless of whether it was in civil or Syariah legislation.
“It is torture and a breach of human rights. We teach our children not to hit each other but then what are we, as adults and role models, showing the little ones if we condone such an act?” she questioned.
During the press conference, the Joint Action Group (JAG) for Gender Equality — comprising the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), All Wo-men’s Action Society, Women’s Centre for Change, Suara Rakyat Malaysia and the National Human Rights Society — also joined SIS in calling for a review of whipping as a form of punishment.
“We urge the Federal and state governments to conduct a comprehensive review of all laws pertaining to Syariah criminal offences, with a view to repeal such laws.” WAO executive director Ivy Josiah said.
Kartika was fined RM5,000 and ordered to be whipped six times for drinking beer in a hotel in Cherating, Pahang.
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