Sabah science, technology and innovation minister Arifin Arif said the state government will maintain its punishments for “takzir” offences, or offences whose punishments are left at the discretion of the judge or ruler of the state.
“The state government will not implement public caning as a punishment as is done in Terengganu, as Sabah is a unique state made of many races and religions.
“Religious harmony, tolerance and understanding are the core of the peace and harmony Sabah’s people live in,” Arifin, who is also the state’s religious affairs committee chairman, said in a statement today.
He also said the state government follows the principle of “fiqh sabahi” introduced by the Sabah mufti himself.
“This principle emphasises wisdom and discretion in social interactions, building relationships, fostering community harmony, and promoting Islamic values and teachings in the context of Sabah’s diverse, multicultural, and multi-religious society,” he said.
As such, Arifin urged all parties not to politicise the issue in a way that could disrupt social harmony.
Bungsu was previously reported by Borneo Post as saying public caning aligns with the principles of Islamic law and aims to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
He also said public caning had been carried out in Tawau in 2017, with a man and woman caned six times for committing adultery, carried out at the court’s compound.
“In Sabah, people say if something is kept secret, no one will know about it, and it will not serve as a deterrent. That is one of the reasons why such punishments need to be carried out in public (for certain offences),” he was quoted as saying.
“However, this punishment is carried out under strict conditions. It cannot be recorded or made viral and can only be witnessed by certain individuals. This ensures that it aligns with the philosophy of shariah law.
“Every state has its own approach. If any state disagrees, it is beyond their jurisdiction to overturn another state’s (decision). We support this implementation as it complies with Islamic law.”