Jim Kouri
Women beaten in Malaysia under Shariah law
FacebookTwitter
By Jim Kouri
February 19, 2010

As a result of Shariah law being imposed in Malaysia, Muslim women were caned on Tuesday for engaging in illicit sex, a serious crime under strict Muslim law.

The three women are reportedly the first to receive such a brutal punishment under Shariah law. According to the Home Minister, Datuk Hishmmudin Hussein, two of the women were struck six times while the third was hit four times with a "cane" or "rotan." The punishment was meted out at Malaysia's Kajang federal prison.

Under Islamic rule, Malaysians have witnessed an increase in canings as a result of the nation moving from a secular legal system to one based on the Koran and the teachings of radical imams. Many were shocked to learn that last Summer a 32-year old woman — Kartika Shukarno — was sentenced to be caned for the crime of consuming an alcoholic beverage. While the violent sentence created a firestorm in the country, Shukarno is still awaiting the execution of the caning sentence.

Originally, Malaysia was a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The system of government in Malaysia was closely modeled on that of Westminster parliamentary system, a legacy of British colonial rule. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as The Alliance.

Legislative power was divided between federal and state legislatures. The parliament consisted of the lower house, the House of Representatives (literally the "Chamber of the People"), and the upper house, the Senate (literally the "Chamber of the Nation").

The Malaysian constitution guarantees religious freedom. However, The jurisdiction of Shariah court is becoming more powerful over matters such as marriage, inheritance, conversion and child custody. Despite being the supreme courts of the land, the Civil Courts (including the Federal Court) in principle cannot overrule any decision made by the Shariah Courts.

Hishammuddin claimed that he decided to bring to public attention the punishment given to the three women because there had been "too much hype" over Kartika's sentence.

"People are saying that no woman has been caned before and that Kartika should not be caned. Today I am announcing that we have already done it. There is no hidden agenda, we are merely executing our responsibility," he stated during a press conference yesterday.

The staunch Muslim minister declared that the three women did not suffer any cuts or abrasions from their beatings but assured the media that the punishment had a rehabilitative effect.

"They have all repented. They are also hoping that others will not go against the teachings of the religion," he said, adding that the sentence was meted out according to Islamic rules.

Last month, the three women were found guilty of fornication by the Federal Shariah High Court sentenced to public caning

Minister Hishammuddin assured reporters that one of the women was released last Sunday after spending a month in prison. A second woman is expected to be released later this week, while the third is serving the rest of her jail term and is expected to be freed in June 2010.

Malaysian officials with the Malaysia Penal Department claim they have advisors who are experts from the Islamic Development Department, the Shariah Law Department and the Federal Prosecutor's Office to make certain the sentences are carried out according to recognized Islamic law.

The ministry agreed on the procedure for the caning of Muslim women offenders for Shariah offenses on December 4, 2010.

"I hope there will be no more issues arising from the caning sentence which can be imposed by the Shariah Court on Muslim women to protect the sanctity of Islam," Hishammuddin told reporters.

"Look at the message behind the punishment. Illicit sex could easily lead to other social ills such as abortion and baby dumping. The punishment serves as a proposed solution for other social problems," he added.

© Jim Kouri

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)


Jim Kouri

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police... (more)

Subscribe

Receive future articles by Jim Kouri: Click here

More by this author

September 10, 2017
Trump Justice: 'Dreamer' wanted for murder nabbed by feds in NJ and extradited


July 26, 2017
NJ 12-year-old's suicide a plea for cyber-bullying law: GOP candidate Heather Darling


June 12, 2017
Obama hampered law enforcement investigation of Iranian terrorism funding


June 2, 2017
Prez of Young Democrats and Mayor de Blasio staffer busted for kiddie porn; one victim 6-mos. old


May 29, 2017
The conservative approach to taxation and a healthy business climate


May 24, 2017
U.S. intelligence reports warn of cyber "Cold War"


March 3, 2017
Media attack Trump's terrorism expert Dr. Sebastian Gorka


December 23, 2016
Trump's border wall: The bill was passed and signed into law


December 22, 2016
Dem lawmakers demand commission to probe Trump-Russia conspiracy


December 14, 2016
Outraged Vets: VA hospital death touted as proof of Obama and Democrats indifference


More articles

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
FLASHBACK to 2020: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Victor Sharpe
Any Israeli alliances should include the restoration of a just, moral, and enduring pact with the Kurdish people

Linda Kimball
Man as God: The primordial heresy and the evolutionary science of becoming God

Sylvia Thompson
Should the Village People be a part of Trump's Inauguration Ceremony? No—but I suspect they will be

Jerry Newcombe
Reflections on the Good Samaritan ethic

Pete Riehm
It’s not identities; it’s ideas!

Rev. Mark H. Creech
From ministry to need: Seeking help in my darkest hour

Jerry Newcombe
Bible sales increasing

Tom DeWeese
Change the debate and take back liberty locally

Steve A. Stone
Truth will out...maybe...someday

Curtis Dahlgren
On the need for noble mothers (and fathers)

Tom DeWeese
If you are illegal, come. We’ll give you $thousands and let you kill and rape. If you are legal, go to hell

Stanley Zir
The sky is not falling, Chicken Little, under Donald Trump
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites