Shahrizat pertikai hukuman mahkamah syariah.

Syariah Lawyers Association Regrets Shahrizat's Statement On Whipping Of Model

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Syariah Lawyers Association regretted the statement by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil on the Syariah Court decision to whip a model for consuming liquor.

Its deputy president Musa Awang said the statement was a challenge and insult to the Kuantan Syariah Court.

He was also replying to a similar statement by Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Dr Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali.

Musa said Judge Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunus made the decision based on provisions of the law.

"Any unhappiness with the Syariah Court decision must be made via procedures provided by law," he said in a statement here Wednesday.

Shahrizat said she was shocked by the Syariah Court decision and called for a fair and just punishment.

Dr Lo'lo was surprised that whipping of women was sanctioned by the Malaysian syariah law adding punishment should be educational, and not to cause hurt.

Musa said although whipping for women was not allowed by civil courts, Islam did not differentiate between men and women offenders.

"Their rights and punishments are the same according to Syariah law and in the eyes of God."

"Although the two leaders intention was to defend women, they should understand the whipping methods according to Islam."

He said the whipping implemented by Syariah Court was different from that done by Civil Courts.

"Whipping procedures in Pahang are spelled out in detail under section 125 and section 126 of the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002."

Musa said a rotan or small branch should be used for whipping and that it sholud be not more than 1.22 metre long and not more than 1.25cm thick.

Whipping would not be done on pregnant offenders and would only done two months after delivery. It must not hit the face, head, stomach, breast or private parts.

"It must be done using moderate force. The punisher should not raise their hands over the head so as not to injure the skin."

He added offenders health should be checked by government health officers who should also be present during whipping.