Khalwat: A shame that can kill
(FMT) – Some see the offence as more scandalous than corruption or murder, says an activist lawyer.
Social activist and lawyer Azhar Harun blames shame for a recent death associated with a khalwat raid.
He said although the punishment for khalwat was “not that bad”, the stigma attached to those found guilty of the offence could destroy them.
“They get their pictures posted all over the newspapers, tabloids, magazines and 999 (a television series on TV3),” he said. “This has been going on for a very long time.”
Azhar, also known as Art Harun, said he believed that some Malaysians saw khalwat as more scandalous than even crimes that are universally considered as heinous.
“If you get caught for theft, your reputation is still okay,” he said.
“Being caught for khalwat is considered even more shameful than being caught for corruption or even murder.
“Even if you get caught for rape but then marry the victim, you are still all right, but God forbid that you should get caught for khalwat. Your life is gone, man.”
He said this was the reason people were willing to risk life and limb to escape being caught for khalwat.
