KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will not implement public caning, says state exco member for religious affairs and education Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
This statement follows remarks by Sabah State Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, who recently voiced support for public caning in a media interview.
Arifin, also the state minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, clarified that the mufti's comments represented his personal views and did not reflect the official stance of the Sabah Government.
"The State Government, through its religious authorities, will adhere to the existing punishments for 'Takzir' offences, which are determined for acts not explicitly outlined in Islamic law. Public caning, as seen recently in Terengganu, will not be implemented in Sabah," he said.
He said Sabah's unique identity as a multicultural and multi-religious state highlighted the importance of harmony, tolerance, and mutual understanding in maintaining peace and unity.
"Religious harmony is the cornerstone of Sabah's peaceful society," Arifin said.
He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to the principle of "Fiqh Sabahi," a concept introduced by the Sabah State Mufti.
The approach prioritises wisdom and understanding in addressing religious and societal matters, tailored to Sabah's multicultural context.
Arifin urged all parties to avoid politicising the issue or engaging in debates that could disrupt societal unity.