KANGAR: The Perlis Perikatan Nasional state government plans to strengthen syariah law in the future, including public caning for repeat offenders of khalwat (close proximity offences), similar to what was carried out in Terengganu.
However, Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said no decision has been made for now, since the matter must be evaluated from various aspects, including those related to the state's Islamic Law Administration Enactment.
"We (Perlis) are not heading in that direction just yet, as many aspects need to be re-evaluated, especially regarding amendments to matters related to the state's Islamic Law Administration Enactment. Nevertheless, plans are in place, and, InsyaAllah, we will move in that direction.
"I understand there are those who agree and those who disagree. Those who disagree need to consider the vastness of Islamic teachings.
"In this matter, we can hold discussions and reassess the aspects involved before implementing it (public caning)," he told reporters after having a walkabout at the Kangar Night Market here last night.
Present were the state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil and Kangar Municipal Council president Affendi Rajini Kanth.
Shukri added that the empowerment of syariah law, such as public caning for repeat offenders of khalwat, should be viewed from an educational perspective.
"What was implemented (the public caning of repeated khalwat offenders) in Terengganu was more about educating, as the offender had committed repeated offences before being caned.
"Therefore, it needs to be viewed from an educational perspective, along with many other aspects, before we can implement similar measures in Perlis," he said.
On Dec 27, 2024, Terengganu carried out six strokes of public caning on a 42-year-old construction worker, after he was found guilty of repeated khalwat offences. The punishment was completed within two minutes.
In response to the punishment, Perlis mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said that "rejecting public caning for syariah offences does not equate to opposing Islamic teachings".
Asri, in a statement, said there is no stipulation in Islamic law requiring khalwat offenders to be caned in public.
He said that the caning of khalwat offenders in public is not Allah's law or that of His Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) and is merely the authorities' choice.
He also said that public caning for such offences may contradict the principles of Islamic law which call for a person's faults to be concealed.
Earlier, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar defended the public caning, saying it was conducted in full adherence to Islamic principles of justice.
He was reported as saying that the punishment was not solely intended as retribution but also served as a form of education, deterrence, and guidance to encourage society to align with Islamic values.