Malaysian man publicly caned for close Islamic crime

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian man was caned at a mosque in the northeastern state of Terengganu on Friday for the Islamic crime of having close contact with members of the opposite sex outside his family, local media reported, in a rare public sentencing.

Muslim-majority Malaysia operates a dual-track legal system, with Islamic penal and family laws applied to Muslims along with secular laws.

Mohd Affendi Awang, 42, was found guilty of the Islamic crime of “khalwat” and sentenced to six lashes and a fine after pleading guilty last month. This is the third time construction worker Mohd Effendi has been convicted.

According to Malay-language daily Utusan Malaysia, Mohd Affendi, who is also a father of five, underwent a medical examination at the Terengganu mosque after Friday prayers and was witnessed by 90 people. police officers were whipped in the audience.

According to local broadcaster Astro Awani, the caning was carried out by an officer at the Marang Prison in Terengganu state and lasted for two minutes.

Terengganu state is governed by the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which advocates a stricter interpretation of Islamic law.

In 2018, the state whipped two women in court after being convicted of attempting to engage in lesbian sex as dozens of people watched, sparking an outcry from human rights groups.

After the caning, PAS deputy chairman Tuan Ibrahim said it showed the Terengganu state government’s commitment to strengthening Sharia law.

“Public flogging of repeat offenders is intended to educate the public to obey God’s commands,” he said.

The Malaysian Human Rights Commission criticized the court’s ruling, saying the punishment undermined human rights, dignity and the rule of law, and raised questions about the legality of public caning under the federal constitution and federal law.

(Reporting by Daniel Azar and Ashley Tang; Editing by Sharon Singleton)