Former Malaysian PM says 'whip-for-drinking-beer' model's sentence 'too harsh'

Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), Aug. 26 (ANI): Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad has expressed concern over the whipping sentence given to part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno for drinking beer, saying the punishment is "too harsh."

Dr. Mohammad questioned the fairness of the harsh decision in his blog post, asking if Islam didn't allow mercy for first time offenders, The Star reports.

"Is not Islam merciful to first-time offenders?" Dr Mahathir asked, adding that fairness and consideration were the main tenets in Islam.

"We will be celebrating our independence this year by flogging a Muslim woman for drinking beer under Syariah law," he added.

"Although the story has gone across the globe, Muslims should not worry about other people's perceptions when dealing with matters of our religion despite the negative or positive image it might bring," he noted. (ANI)