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 JAN 12, 2003 PAS leader urges death by stoning for rapists
Kelantan Mentri Besar says this is the best deterrent as the BN government mulls over harsher sentences as incest cases rise
By Leslie Lau
DATUK Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the controversial spiritual leader of the hardline Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), wants the federal government to allow rapists to be stoned to death publicly as per strict Islamic law.
He argued in favour of stoning as the best deterrent in the wake of the Barisan Nasional government's plans to impose harsher sentences on rapists.
'Some people may say sentencing to death by stoning is outdated. But we must bear in mind that rape, illicit sex and incest are also uncivilised,' said Datuk Nik Aziz, who is also Mentri Besar of Kelantan, which has been under PAS rule since 1990.
Under tough new laws, incestuous relations by consent will carry a prison term of up to 30 years and a minimum 10 strokes of the cane.
Incestuous rape resulting in death will be punishable by death under amendments to the country's Penal Code.
Sex offenders above the age of 50 will also be liable for caning. The law is being amended after a series of incestuous rapes involving children.
A number of these cases sparked a public outcry over what many deemed were inadequate laws. Reports of stepfathers, and even biological fathers, raping daughters have become more common.
Extensive media coverage was given to cases involving the rape and murder of children and infants, prompting the government to speed up amendments to the law.
Malaysia is also introducing, for the first time, a register of released sex offenders for monitoring purposes. The DNA of registered sex offenders will also be catalogued to prevent repeat crimes.
De facto Law Minister Rais Yatim said the government was worried about the rising number of incest cases.
But Datuk Nik Aziz, who has constantly courted controversy with his hardline view of Islam, said extending jail terms and other measures were insufficient.
'Even if the convicted rapist is sentenced to 50 years' jail, the punishment is still not in accordance with Islam,' he said.
Making the case for adherence to strict Islamic law, he said Islam requires stoning to be done in public.
'It is for the people to see the pain,' he said. 'If punishment is done quietly there will be no end to the problem.'
PAS has been arguing for the creation of an Islamic state in Malaysia and has already put forth legislation in Kelantan and Terengganu, the two states under the party's control, for the introduction of Islamic syariah law.
These laws prescribe amputation and stoning for a series of offences that include theft, murder, rape and even leaving the Islamic faith. Copyright @ 2003 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved. |
