Malaysian Model To Be Caned For Drinking Beer In Hotel Bar!!!

Filed Under: Icky Icky Poo Legal Matters Models

Two years ago, Malaysian model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was arrested for drinking beer at a hotel bar while visiting Malaysian from neighboring Singapore, where she lives, and was subsequently sentenced to pay a $1400 fine and to be struck six times with a rattan cane.

Malaysia forbids the consumption of alcohol by any Muslim, even visiting ones, despite being a self-proclaimed moderate Muslim country. The law is only applicable to Muslims, who constitute about 60% of the population; those who are Buddhist, Christian, or Hindu are free to drink as they like.

Kartika's case has been particularly controversial, as people have viewed it as an illustration of the growing fundamentalism in the diverse nation. Slightly North of where Kartika was arrested, in Malaysia's Kelantan state, women are forbidden from wearing bright lipstick and high-heels, under the explanation that banning these keeps safe the morals and dignity of women and decreases the likelihood of rape.

Ladies, move!

While two others have been given the same sentence, Kartika is the first to go through with it. What's more, she wants the caning to be public, saying "let's be transparent about it," and insisting that if the purpose of the punishment is to set an example for others, then she should be flogged in the public eye.

Kartika's father, Shukarno Abdul Muttalib says that, "the law is a little bit wrong. They say they are gentlemen who want to uphold values. The public should judge how gentlemanly it is."

Kartika's caning will take place a week from Monday. No word yet on whether her wish for public display will be granted.

Ouch!

[Image via AP Images.]

Posted: August 21, 2009 at 12:32 pm