Malaysian Man Publicly Caned for Repeated Close Proximity Offences Under Sharia Law

The punishment in Terengganu, witnessed by 90 people, has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups and legal experts over its legality and human rights implications.

• Mohd Affendi Awang, a 42-year-old father of five, was publicly caned at a mosque in Terengganu after being convicted of the Islamic crime of khalwat, or close proximity with a non-relative of the opposite sex.
• The caning, carried out by a prison officer and lasting two minutes, was witnessed by 90 people, including government officials and media, with strict restrictions on recording devices.
• This marks the first public caning under Terengganu’s amended Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 2022, which allows harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
• Human rights groups, including the Malaysian Bar and Sisters in Islam, have condemned the punishment as cruel and degrading, arguing it violates international human rights standards and Malaysia’s federal laws.
• The Islamist-led Terengganu government defended the practice, claiming it serves as a moral deterrent, though critics question its impact on justice and the well-being of the offender’s family.

4 Articles

South China Morning Post CNA