Disagree with caning issue and risk being labelled anti-Islam, says Anwar

Looi Sue-Chern Looi Sue-Chern Updated 5 years ago · Published on 4 Sep 2018 8:18PM · 11 Comments

Anwar Ibrahim says when it comes to offences like this, ample explanation or education must be given to the people. – AFP pic, September 4, 2018.

THE issue of public caning needs to be handled with care, as one could easily find themselves accused of being anti-Islam for disagreeing with it, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president-elect said caning an offender in public without going through the proper processes, as well as without showing any sympathy, was something unacceptable to Malaysians.

“If you are careless in making statements on this issue, you will be labelled as anti-shariah law, secular and so on.

“If this happens, there will be friction among Muslims,” he was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

He reportedly said this during a press conference at the Management Association of the Philippines’ CEO Conference in Makati City today.

Yesterday in Terengganu, two women were caned six times each at the Kuala Terengganu shariah court for having same-sex relations. The two, aged 32 and 22, were caned in front of some 100 people and were also fined RM3,300.

The caning made headlines both locally and internationally, as women and rights groups condemned it.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) criticised the choice and mode of punishment, which did not befit a “cultured, civilised, moderate, and progressive society”.

Its chairman Razali Ismail said such a society would not resort to fear and humiliation as a legitimate method or tool for education.

Anwar said he himself did not agree with the caning as it was a form of oppression.

“When it comes to offences like this, there should be ample explanation or education for the people,” he said. – September 4, 2018.

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Comments

  • Anwar is right. Unfortunately in Malaysia Islam is such a touchy subject that one must tread gingerly when navigating the political mine fields lying in ambush.

    Posted 5 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

    • We want a leader who can do more than treading landmines. We do not want people like we have had for 60 past years where the sustainability of their political career is is of utmost concern. That leadership has brought disasters until the last election.

      Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Ok, I agree that this issue is a political landmine, but i wonder then....when exactly would be a good time to address the spiralling towards hardline patriachal conservative Islamism? How long more should non-Muslims continue to be treated like necessary evils in our own country, to constantly hold back from complaining in fear that the majority are not offended? Can we, the meaningless minority, get a moratorium on payment of all taxes until PH govt address these thorny issues? It is bad enough we have to be continually screwed. So much worse when we have to pay for this privilege too.

    Posted 5 years ago by Mahsuri Smiles · Reply

    • Valid points and I am in total agreement. However even assuming there is political will in PH to contain this ever growing monstrosity are we as a nation prepared for a massive backlash from a large number of the majority? A backlash which could reverse all the gains made in this short period of time? Its prudent to keep in mind that where religion is inserted into a hot potato issue, common sense goes for an extended vacation.

      Posted 5 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • With Suhakam balancing the scale, I am cautiously optimistic about some positive changes.

    Posted 5 years ago by Ramli Sirap · Reply

  • Anwar is Anwar who talks heavily in reforms and those days until now Anwar has bee a chameleon in act and in speeches. Seriously it is very difficult to see him takes the bull by the horn in issues. His beating about the bush in concerns are now getting to be annoying. Actually it takes a leader of a PM stature to stamp out the nonsenses from the clerics in their all man made laws in the guise of GOD decrees. Both Mahatir and even the PM to be are playing very safe in treading on Shariah or Religious concerns knowing fully well it is not in accordance to the country advancement for enhancement. Staying silent by Muslim leaders in a false show of religiously correct is only bedrocking the ignorance principles and perpetuating the unwarranted deeds. It is stiffling the Muslim race to embrace changes and be proggresive . This will nurture a process in awaking their thoughts provoking capabilities. The elected Muslim leaders should act without fear in the name of God and openly lead and discuss to discern on unsubstantiated religious edicts where it could compounded and through the principle of interaction factor could affect the social structure set up especially more so in this multi racial country. Can't leave it just to the religious institution as their thoughts are always single track, educated through the means of man written religious books and heresay without an iota of humanity and humility to balance their thoughts.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

    • "will not nurture"

      Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • SUSAH SUSAH SUSAH SUSAH. JALAN GOSTAN TENGOK BELAKANG.

    Posted 5 years ago by CHEE Meng Ng · Reply

  • Stop meddling in rakyats lives. Visit Terengganu last. Let the state suffer economically.

    Posted 5 years ago by Sin Fook Choo · Reply

  • As a leader of the people, the protector of human grace and rights to live, he should not be afraid of LABELS. This is the type of leader people want.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Just look at people recently spewing hate politics with race/religion issues. At this time the Pakatan govt has to tread carefully, recognising the many mindsets among us. We must expect some injustices may continue to fester. PH has a small majority and obtained an unexpected win in GE14. It can be overturned quite easily the next time. So guard this moment, with nobody letting up? ..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply