State govt fixated on punishment, say groups

PETALING JAYA: The Kelantan PAS state government’s move to introduce public caning for syariah offenders has been described by many as unconstitutional and showing an obsession with punishment.

Yayasan 1Malaysia chairman Dr Chandra Muzaffar said the amendments reflected PAS’ mentality, which he said focused on punishment rather than the reform that is central to Islamic jurisprudence.

“It shows their continued adherence to an interpretation of syariah that is obsessed with punishment.

“It reflects a certain kind of mentality which is not conducive for any multi-religious society such as Malaysia’s,” he said.

Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin of G25, the group of eminent Malays, said the move by PAS would only tarnish the image of Islam.

“All PAS is interested in is punishment, punishment and more punishment,” she said.

She noted that the amendments to allow public caning would give the wrong impression of Islam to non-Muslims.

“Where is the mercy, compassion, justice and kindness that are prominent in Islamic teachings?” she said, adding that PAS should instead focus on the welfare of the people.

Malaysia Muslim Lawyers Association president Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said it was within the ambit of the power of the Kelantan Legislative Assembly to amend provisions in the enactment.

“The caning process is explained in great detail under Section 125 of the enactment. However, it is silent on where the punishment is to be meted out.

“So, it is not wrong to make amendments to specify that the caning could take place in a public area,” he said.