Jeremiah Liew Yong Sin, a counsellor and lecturer at HELP University, said the psychological damage caused by public humiliation could be profound.
“Public caning leads to feelings of shame and isolation often resulting in mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder,” he told FMT.
Puveshini Rao, a clinical psychologist, said “when a person experiences such levels of degradation” (as in being publicly caned), the psychological scars are often long-lasting. In severe cases, this can escalate to suicidal or homicidal ideations, she told FMT.
The two psychologists’ remarks came in the wake of the public caning of repeat khalwat offender Affendi Awang, 42, in Terengganu last Friday under the state’s shariah criminal laws.
Liew said punitive measures generally did not promote lasting changes in behaviour, and could lead to social withdrawal and fear of seeking help, instead of encouraging repentance or personal growth.
“Once the fear of punishment diminishes, they are likely to revert to their original behaviour,” he said.
He suggested that the authorities focus on professional counselling and education to address moral transgressions, and trauma-informed therapy for Affendi to help him process shame and rebuild self-worth.
Puveshini said trauma affects not only those being punished but also witnesses, who may internalise or externalise their experiences, potentially harming themselves or others.
The public caning last Friday was witnessed by 90 people, but no recording was allowed.
Morality and justice
Former MP Tawfik Ismail questioned the morality of public caning, which he held to be incompatible with Islam’s values of mercy and compassion.
“Publicly humiliating someone is not a virtuous act. Justice must uplift, not degrade. This punishment is a step backwards for a progressive society,” he told FMT.
Tawfik also said having up to 70 witnesses was an excessive form of humiliation. “Are these people paragons of virtue? Or are they there simply to judge and watch another person suffer?”