Dear Janet Lee

Actually I am really proud that the Kuantan Syariah Court ordered her to be flogged for drinking beer in public. Flogging (canning) is usually used as an examplary method of punishment. So, I am really upset when a member of the Bar said (via a circulated Bar email) as follows,

"Flogging a muslim woman in Malaysia?"

... beat up this poor lady? No compassion in your heart to guide this lady? I ask for your compassion for this person whom I do not know but because the punishment is too severe and to set an example by 'flogging' a woman is beyond my comprehension in these day and age...
Anyway, what do I know about punishing a woman whom bears you children, take care of your needs and of your family.. and probably more than you will know... Speaking from a humanity issue........... what do ya all think? Have a heart... Give her a break... try a more humane manner if you want to guide her well.

I am tempted to reply to her email thread but I might get emotionally overboard, my reply in this entry would be as follows,

Dear Janet Lee,

Please bear in mind that the punishment was in accordance with an enacted law. It is legal. If Non Muslims not happy about it, try voicing out your opinion with the Islamic law legislators. Fellow Muslims can do that as well.

Islamic law is not a man-made law. It is fundamentally a God made law. When you ask Muslim legislators to enact laws according to their human preference (as I quote you were saying "from a humanity issue"), you are asking them to forsake the divine principles that they are compelled to adhere to.

Liqour consumption is one of the 6 offences under Hudud punishment. Apart from Hudud, there is Qisas (for the crime of murder) and Takzir (man-made punishment, enact what you deem alright). And Hudud means stipulated by God. The punishments have been stipulated either in the Quran or the Sunnah of the Prophet (Muhammad SAW).

Beer is like liquor. So, there is the spesific punishment by flogging. All I am saying, punishments for violation of law does not work how we perceive it to be. The mechanism does not stop there. For Hudud punishment, there is also the element of repentance to God and forgiveness by Him. And one who is punished in the world will not be subjected for the same offence in the Hereafter.

Please think before you make such comments because by questioning such legislation, I take it to the heart that you were indeed critisizing our religion and belief as well.

Regards,

Salwana Abdul Malek

Fellow Member of the Bar.

*sigh* the reply is too much isn't it? Sakit hati tau. Last year masa cakap pasal hukum hudud, depa komen apa tau? Depa kata nanti semua loyer kena pakai jubah, serban dan tasbih. *sigh again*