KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Na'im Mokhtar has called on all parties to respect the implementation of Shariah caning punishment for Khalwat offenders in Terengganu.
He said matters involving Islamic religious affairs fall under the jurisdiction of the state, Mingguan Malaysia reported.
He said education efforts should be intensified to promote awareness of proper conduct and boundaries within the community.
"This matter is under the state's jurisdiction.
"All parties should respect the process," Na'im said.
Recently, a carpenter, Mohd Affendi Awang, 42, became the first individual in Terengganu to be publicly caned for repeated khalwat offences.
The public execution of the syariah caning punishment in Terengganu has sparked widespread debate, with opinions divided between support and opposition.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar expressed hope that the punishment would serve as a model for implementing syariah laws that benefit society.
He said the punishment is not solely about penalising offenders but also serves as a form of education, deterrence, and moral guidance to bring people closer to Islamic values.
Following Terengganu's example, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin encouraged other Pas-led states to prepare for the public implementation of syariah caning for offenders.
He said public caning is not a cruel or humiliating act but rather an effort to raise awareness among offenders and society at large.
Meanwhile, the Kelantan State Committee on Islamic Development, Da'wah, Information, and Community Relations chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud called for an end to misleading narratives of syariah caning punishment.
He said implementing syariah caning punishment is a step towards educating society more seriously and effectively.
"The Kelantan state government congratulates Terengganu for implementing a punishment that educates society more effectively and aligns with syariah-based standards.
"This implementation, God willing, will be pursued in Kelantan once the best standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place," Asri said.
Kedah State Committee for Religion, Communication, and Information chairman Datuk Mohd AzamAbd Samat emphasised solidarity among Muslims in fulfilling religious obligations beyond political boundaries.
He said Kedah Pas could take the initial step to review the state's Shariah enactments related to the punishment.
"If something aligns with the law and, as Muslims, what is forwarded as guidance, we must follow and implement it.
"Therefore, perhaps after this, I can propose a discussion to gain a deeper understanding of what is stipulated in Kedah's state laws.
"If it does not violate the law and is for the greater good, it should not be an issue," Azam said.
However, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said those who disagree with the implementation of public caning are opposing the authorities' decision, not the teachings of Islam.
He said there is no religious mandate to publicly cane offenders of khalwat, and it could potentially contradict the Shariah principle that calls for protecting an individual's dignity.
He clarified that publicly caning khalwat offenders is not the command of Allah.
Still, it is rather a decision made by the authorities under ta'zir, which is subject to the ruler's discretion and could be right or wrong.