Malaysian court puts caning of woman on hold

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — An Islamic court in Malaysia put on hold indefinitely the caning of a woman found guilty of drinking beer because the sentence was too harsh, a Cabinet minister said Tuesday.

The chief judge of Pahang state's Shariah court decided on Monday to defer the caning of 32-year old Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno pending a review, as it was deemed too extreme, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

"I am impressed with, and commend, the chief judge's wisdom for making the order of revision," Shahrizat told reporters.

Malaysia's home minister indicated the caning — which had been expected to be administered this week — was unlikely to be carried out, arguing the prisons department did not have staff with the expertise to administer the caning according to Shariah laws.

The developments will likely defuse growing consternation in Malaysia over the unusual sentencing, which if carried out would have made Kartika, a part-time model and mother of two, the first woman to be caned in the country.

Kartika was arrested by Islamic morality police for drinking beer at a beach resort in Pahang in December 2007. Her plight has drawn international attention to the use of Islamic laws and raised questions whether a radical brand of Islam is taking root in this traditionally moderate Muslim-majority country.

Malaysia's Muslims, who make up 60 percent of the country's 27 million people, are prohibited from drinking alcohol under the Shariah laws they are subject to. The offense is punishable by up to three years in prison and caning but most offenders have been let off with a fine in the past.

Malaysia's non-Muslims, the ethnic Chinese and Indians, are allowed to consume alcohol and are not subjected to Shariah laws but only civil laws.

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