Malaysia mulls conference on caning women

Malaysia caned three Muslim women for illicit sex earlier this month in the first such punishment ever, sparking debate in the Muslim-majority country, which is deemed as moderate.

 

Womens' Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil says she will seek Cabinet approval to hold a conference to discuss whether caning of women under Shariah law is the norm in Islamic countries.

 

Shahrizat said in a statement seen Tuesday that she plans to invite ministers from Muslim-majority countries, academics and religious experts to exchange experiences.

 

Rights groups have slammed the caning. The government has insisted it is a good lesson and doesn’t cause physical harm.