SHAH ALAM - The Central Pas Ulama Council (DUPP) reminds the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) not to make statements that could create misunderstandings among the public.
Its chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the implementation of the public caning punishment handed by the Terengganu Syariah Court adhered to clear legal provisions and did not contradict the state's jurisdiction under List II of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
He said the decision made by the State Syariah Court judge should be respected by all parties.
"DUPP also wants to remind Suhakam that under the law, the principle of proportional punishment (retributive justice) and its deterrent effect on society is extremely important.
"Do not indiscriminately label everything in the name of human rights alone, to the extent of disregarding the role of the law in governing human life," he said in a statement on Thursday.
He said Suhakam should uphold legal principles and evaluate human rights from an Islamic perspective, rather than acting based on corrupted Western human rights agenda.
"Therefore, DUPP emphasises that public caning is appropriate and is not intended to humiliate the offender.
"It should be viewed in the context of punishment that fosters remorse in the offender and serves as a deterrent for society to avoid committing similar offences in the future," he added.