KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 ― The Kelantan state legislative assembly today passed amendments to its Kelantan Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002, which among others will now allow Shariah offenders to be caned publicly.
In a report by New Straits Times Online, deputy mentri besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said the amendment means that offenders would no longer be caned just in prison.
“However, with the amendment, the sentencing can be carried out in public or prison depending on the court’s decision.
“This is in accordance with the religion, as in Islam the sentencing must be done in public,” Mohd Amar was quoted saying.
The amendments were proposed by state Islamic Development, Dakwah and Information executive councillor (exco) Datuk Nassuruddin Daud and seconded by its Women, Family and Welfare exco Mumtaz Md Nawi.
Mohd Amar said other amendments included accepting video and electronic recordings as evidence in court.