Let’s rotan the offenders

By Sakmongkol AK47

A few weeks ago I wrote some articles about the caning of one Kartika Dewi Sukarno. I assure readers I do not make light of the sentence. It commensurates with the level of understanding the learned shariah judge has. It takes into account also the cultural setting from which Kartika comes. She is a Malay Muslim and among Malays, the act of consuming alcohol is absolutely repulsive. 

I have reservations though on the implementation aspects. I want the punishment to create a precedence so that, in future whosoever transgresses such wrong shall be so punished. If you are not willing the run the whole 9 yards, better to hold your piece. What if somebody prominent commits such wrong? Like a member of the royal family for instance, ministers perhaps, their sons or daughters?

Sure, you can always say, in accordance with the laws, you will carry out same punishment. I say, don't be hypocritical or munafik. I have seen and met kadhis who cower from airing the correct views according to Shariah laws.

You can picture the snowball effects. Those in the industry where alcoholic beverages are served, in industries where non halal food is served, will they also be punished in accordance to the laws? For example, Malay boys and girls who are practicing Muslims working in establishments where alcohol is served, in lounges and in bars, will they be asked to abandon their jobs? They don't drink, but by working there, they are indirectly promoting, aiding and abetting a culture that permits drinking and other religious censurable activities. Those working on MAS airplanes and Air Asia, will they be accordingly punished?

And now is the most visible case should you want to test the judgment. A son of former PM sits on the board of a brewing company in the Philippines. By acquiring shares in the company, isn't he aiding and abetting and furthering the prosperity of an establishment whose mission is to make people drink more?

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