Public caning gives bad impression of Islam, says Dr M

PETALING JAYA - Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today criticised the public caning of two Muslim women convicted of attempting same-sex relations, in the first statement by the Cabinet on the controversial issue.

He said the punishment, the first public caning in Malaysia, had painted the religion in a bad light, portraying it as ruthless and focused on humiliation.

His comments followed a backlash against the caning by individuals and NGOs who said it was against human rights.

In a video posted on his Facebook page, Mahathir said his Cabinet viewed the punishment meted out by the Terengganu Shariah Court as not reflective of the true image of Islam.

He also asked that a lighter sentence be given for such cases in the future.

“This is the first case for them. Usually, when it is the first case, advice should be given, not caning so much so that the matter is known worldwide.