Model's caning to be reviewed

The Pahang state Shariah Court chief judge has ordered that the caning of part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno be deferred pending a review, as the sentence was deemed “too extreme”.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the order to lash Kartika six times with a cane gave the Shariah Court a “cruel image”. Jalil said the overriding view was that the sentence was “too harsh and is not commensurate with the offence.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Kartika can still appeal the ruling. He said the model should not merely resign herself to the fact that such a sentence had been meted out to her. The premier said the authorities were always willing to consider such an appeal.