AFP/File/Stringer
The Sultan of the Malaysian state of Pahang reduced the sentence of a Muslim woman who was caught drinking beer in a hotel last year. Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, age 33, was originally supposed to face six caning lashes but instead, will serve a three week community service at a children’s home.
“I am shocked with the decision,” Kartika, who learned about it from a letter to her family, told reporters on Friday.
“Why they substitute with community service when this punishment is not provided under the religious laws?”
“They already sentenced me so they should follow it, but I will respect the sultan’s decision.”
Kartika said she told Pahang’s Sultan, Ahmad Shah, that she wanted to be caned so other Muslims could learn from her mistake.
“I really regret drinking, it’s my mistake.”
In Malaysia, the Sultans have power in the religious courts of their states.
Sources: AFP, News Straits Times
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