Kartika Caning – Now A Caning Demonstration

The caning sentence imposed on Malaysian model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno for drinking alcohol by the Shariah court has gone quiet for some time now.  It is strange that the caning sentence is still not carried out, despite the fact that the appeals panel of the Syariah High Court has ruled that the caning should proceed.  Perhaps this silence is due to some behind the scene discussion to find a way out for all parties.  The Malaysian governement is keen not to have the caning sentence carried out, as this would damage Malaysia’ s image as a moderate Muslim country.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 14 NGOs that made police reports against Sisters In Islam and other advocacy groups for interfering in this case, and in so doing, insulting the Malay rulers, the Constitution, and the Syariah court, etc.?  Well, they just held a public demonstration of caning a woman under Shariah law.

There were 500 participants at the public seminar where the caning was demonstrated.  First they showed a clip on caning under civil laws.  This kind of caning is of course very painful, and skin splitting too. 

By contrast, caning a woman under Shariah law is painless. Azlan Abdul Rahman, a staff from the Pahang State Mufti Department said: “You cannot raise your hand above your head.”  This is because each lash should be executed moderately so as not to break her skin.After inflicting a stroke, that person must lift the cane upward and not pull it. Caning may be inflicted on all parts of the body expect the face, head, stomach, chest or private part. Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno will be fully clothed and will be caned in a sitting position if her caning sentence is carried out.

Chairman of the seminar, Amidi Abdul Manan, said a five-point resolution was adopted by the participants yesterday, which  among other things, urged all parties to respect Syariah law and the decisions made by the Syariah courts.

Think about it.  Why have a punishment that is painless?  In Somalia, who rapists were caned in a painless manner were seen laughing during caning. Did they learn their lessons?  If the purpose is to teach the guilty a lesson, then can a painless punishment achieve this?  If the purpose is to shame the guilty, then why cane Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno in private?  She asked for a public caning, but the authorities said no.

Previous posts

Kartika Case – Caning Sentence Upheld
Kartika Caning – Battle Line Drawn
Caning A Woman Under Syariah Law
Model Caning Case – Malaysian Prison Authorities Ready To Cane
Kartika Caning – Why Prevent Open Discussion?
Who Is Kartika Sari Dewi shukarno?