KOTA BARU: The proposal to introduce public caning in all Perikatan Nasional-led states will be discussed at the next Syura Council meeting.
Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin said it is expected to take place next year.
He, however, said the implementation of public caning across all PN-led states should not be rushed.
"After the first public caning was recently carried out in Terengganu, I believe it should also be implemented in other states governed by Perikatan Nasional.
"However, this is only my suggestion, and I understand that extensive preparations must be undertaken before its implementation.
"Discussions with authorities such as the police, religious departments, and other relevant agencies must occur before such punishments are introduced.
"I am also planning to bring this matter up during the Syura Council meeting next year," he said when contacted.
While congratulating Terengganu on implementing public caning, Hashim said this should serve as a model for other states in enforcing Islamic laws.
"Public caning is not cruel but is intended to raise awareness among offenders and educate those who witness the punishment," he added.
Terengganu recently became the first state in the country to implement the punishment.
Besides Terengganu, other Perikatan Nasional-led states are Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis.
On Dec 27, construction worker Mohd Affendi Awang, 42, became the first individual in Terengganu to receive six lashes in public for repeated khalwat offences.
The Kuala Terengganu Syariah High Court sentenced him on Nov 20 after he pleaded guilty to multiple khalwat offences under Section 31(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) (Terengganu) Enactment Amendment 2022.
Yesterday, the State Committee on Islamic Development, Da'wah, Information, and Community Relations chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud, said Kelantan does not rule out the possibility of following Terengganu's example in implementing public syariah caning if the best standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place.
He said that, in principle, the Kelantan government has already approved the practice through the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002 (Amendment 2017), which allows for the public caning of offenders.
"God willing, it will also be implemented in Kelantan once we have the best SOPs," he added.