KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of public whipping will tarnish Malaysia’s image as a progressive and moderate Muslim-majority nation, says civil society group G25.
It contradicts modern justice principles that uphold dignity and respect for all, even convicted criminals, the group said in reference to reports that a 42-year-old man will be publicly caned on Dec 27 in Terengganu for repeated khalwat (close proximity) offences.
The public whipping move came following a decision by the Terengganu Syariah Court of Appeal that the man be given six strokes of the rotan at a mosque in Kuala Terengganu.
In a statement yesterday, the G25 urged the relevant authorities to put a stop to the whipping.
“Based on the Prime Minister’s emphasis on reforms, he should promptly intervene in this matter by speaking out against the public whipping so that action can be taken before it is too late.
“Offenders of khalwat are not criminals because their transgressions in personal behaviour do not pose a threat to life and property nor to the peace and security of the country,” it said.
The G25 said the criminalisation of personal behaviour violates human rights and the fundamental liberties guaranteed to all citizens under the Federal Constitution.
It also suggested that state religious departments offer counselling to offenders, and guiding and supporting them to become better Muslims.
Public humiliation should never be an option, G25 said.
It questioned whether true justice is being served in this case, especially when the offender’s five children could be emotionally harmed by the public spectacle of their father’s punishment.
“We in G25 respectfully appeal to the Federal Government and the Conference of Rulers to take the progressive stand that it is wrong for state governments, via their respective state Syariah Enactments, to criminalise the moral sins of Muslims and to mete out cruel forms of punishment against them.
“Continuing public whipping undermines Malaysia’s claim as a moderate Muslim nation and we call on the public not to attend the whipping, should it proceed, to demonstrate opposition to this degrading punishment,” it said.
