Now that the holy month of Ramadan is over, Malaysian model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno is preparing herself to be caned anytime soon. Three months ago she was sentenced to a fine (which she paid) and 6 strokes of the cane for drinking alcohol in December 2008. Since then she has become a celebrity of sort, as her case became known throughout the world.
In an attempt to give herself and her family some privacy, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno recently issued a statement through her lawyer asking to be left alone. The statement also said that she would sue anyone disturbing her peace or that of her family.
But that did not prevent Sisters In Islam from filing a stay of execution of the caning sentence with the Syariah court pending the outcome of a judical review of the caning sentence. Now one of her lawyers made an appeal to the various parties making public statements to stop interfering in her personal life.
Just exactly which various parties was he referring to? The list includes the Malaysian Government, NGOs, and not surprisingly, Sisters In Islam. And what if they don’t cease and desist? The lawyer said they may take legal action against these parties for forcing his client to do something against her wishes. Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno has been on record as saying she wants to go through the caning sentence.
Shortly after that, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was playing the perfect hostess as she welcomed guests and relatives to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri marking the end of Ramadan at her parents’ home. Among the invited guests at the open house celebration were representatives of the local media (although the foreign media also turned up and were allowed in as it was an open house occasion).
Asked how she felt, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno said: “Whatever is going to happen to me is not going to put a damper in my hari raya celebration… it is the same as before but this time around, it is something special due to the current circumstances.”
When asked how she is preparing herself for the caning, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno said: “I am performing extra prayers.”
And how is her legal team preparing for the case? Lawyer Adham Jamalullail Ibrahim disclosed that the team had written to the authorities for copies of all relevant papers on the case and are waiting for the reply. He said: “We also want to be included in whatever discussions pertaining to the caning as we want to know the dates, venue, type of punishment and parties involved. Until now, we still awaiting news from the authorities. Our inclusion is to safeguard the interests of Kartika Sari Dewi and her family.”
Perhaps the last word should go to Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno. Earlier, as reported by The Malaysian Insider, when asked if she thought the caning sentence was fair, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno replied: “I can’t say.” With that, we now await the next development in this Malaysian model caning case.
Previous posts
Kartika’s Caning – Sisters In Islam Intervenes
Kartika Wants Caning Sentence To Be Carried Out
Model Caning Case – Malaysian Prison Authorities Ready To Cane
Caning A Woman Under Syariah Law
Who Is Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno?
I am wondering why only 3 states in Malaysia is adopting caning as a punishment? Is that 3 states more Islamic as compared to the other states of Malaysia? If the caning does occurs, is it going to be a 1 Malaysia law? Will all states follow that law? Is the caning going to be done in public, as in accordance to the Islamic teachings? 6 strokes is man made laws as compared to 40 strokes which is in accordance to the Islamic faith as written in the hadith and not the Quran. Is this a blind faith whereby men cheats society into believing that this laws are justified? Some Muslim believe that in the after life the sins done by Kartika will not be questioned once it is punish here on earth and that is only if the punishment is hudud kind of punishment ie. 40 lashes. Can Syariah law be uphold in a state that also permits casinos and pubs found in Genting Highlands, Pahang?