To parse means to resolve (a sentence) into its component parts and describe them grammatically. In this case the sentence is the RM5, 000 fine and 6 lashes of the rotan imposed on the part-time model Kartika for drinking beer in public.
Kartika has already paid the fine and was being taken by van to the Kajang women’s prison on Monday, 24 August 2009 in order to be caned. After travelling a short distance from her father’s home in Sungei Siput, the van turned back. On the advice of the Chief Syariah Judge of Pahang, the state religious department deferred the punishment until the fasting month is over.
Senior Law lecturer Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi stated that the warrant to detain Kartika in prison was illegal as she was not sentenced to jail initially.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister said that not a single prison officer was qualified to execute the punishment.
The Prime Minister urged Kartika to appeal as there is still room to do so. But the 32-year-old part-time model and mother of two children is adamant about going through with the punishment.
On Wednesday, August 26 2009, theSunsays ‘All this has brought Kartika under the glare of local and international media where some commentators express surprise that it was happening in “moderate Malaysia”.’
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
