Public caning does not reflect true face of Islam: Mahathir (Video)

PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet is of the view that the caning of two women because of their "extraordinary relationship" does not reflect the true face of Islam and justice, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pix).
"We know this is the first case involving the two women and usually in such a case we need to give them advice and not whip them until the whole nation knows about it. This gives Islam a bad name.
"The Cabinet is of the view that consideration should be given to those involved based on the circumstances. In Islam we can initially give them a lighter sentence and advice them about their wrongdoing," Mahathir said on his Facebook after the Cabinet meeting.
He said it is important we show that Islam is not a cruel religion that favours laws that humiliate people and this is not the way to promote Islam.
The Kuala Terengganu Syariah High Court had ordered the two aged 32 and 22 to be caned six times each in front of 100 witnesses for attempting to have lesbian sex.
Mahathir said the Cabinet is of the opinion that we have to be careful how Islam is portrayed, it is not a religion of no compromise or of no consideration.
"While we always start something with "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim", in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, we must not show as if in Islam there is no generous feeling at all.
"This is the view of the Pakatan Harapan Government at its Cabinet meeting today," the Prime Minister said.
Below is a video of Mahathir's statement on Facebook: