A-G denies delaying Kartika's punishment

2009/11/08

ROMPIN Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Patail has denied delaying punishment on part time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarnor.

He said implementation of the punishment was under the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court and that he respected its decision.

"No such thing. Who am I to interfere and delay punishment. I have told my officers not to delay the case," he said after opening a community service programme of the Syariah Section, Attorney-General Department here today.

Kartika, 32, was fined RM5,000 and whipped six strokes by the Kuantan Syariah High Court on July 20 after pleading guilty to consuming liquor at a hotel in Cherating on July 11 last year.

Ghani said like other cases, the punishment on Kartika should be carried out fast but only after a study to uphold justice.

"I believe there must be a reason for the delay in punishment. We must bear in mind that justice hurried is justice buried."

The attorney-general said all parties should respect the decision made by the courts, syariah or civil.

"Don't make noise just because we don't like the decision made by the syariah or civil courts. Appeal to a higher court for a decision," he said. - Bernama