Caned for what?

Malaysia made it to BBC News Online again - and as usual, it was not in a flattering light. The headlines read "Malaysia Canes Three Women For Extra-Marital Sex". You can read it here.

It was reported in the local papers here.

Please do not get me wrong - i am NOT blogging to comment about the Syariah Law. I am merely commenting on what Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted saying regarding this matter in the local news article linked above.

Here is what was reported:-

Hishammuddin said he decided to bring to public attention the punishment meted to the three women because there had been "too much hype" over Kartika’s sentence.

"People are saying that no woman has been caned before and that Kartika should not be caned.

"Today I am announcing that we have already done it."

Pic taken form The Star Online

Earlier in the news report, it was said that the 3 women "...were the first women in Malaysia to receive such punishment under syariah law".

Wait a minute. It seems to me then that these unfortunate 3 women were caned so that people cannot complain against Kartika's sentence (who has been sentenced to caning for drinking beer). Now, according to the Home Minister, no one can say that 'no woman has been caned before'.

When i teach my students on the purposes of punishments imposed by law, it is never a reason that it is to prevent others from complaining about another's sentence!

Malaysia boleh!