I am indeed perturbed by the retrogressive step by PAS to introduce hudud (Islamic penal code) laws.

Are we to understand that rape can only be proven if it is witnessed by four men who have come of age and are fair?

Besides the fact that, in this day and age, it is physically impossible to find four witnesses to a crime of rape, there are also other niggling questions that boggle the mind:

  • If these four men witnessed the rape and chose not to stop the crime, should they not be charged with abetment?

  • I cannot imagine a fair-minded person who witnesses a crime and does not attempt to stop it immediately. If this logic is followed, then finding four "fair-minded" individuals who witness a sordid crime and remain bystanders is in itself a contradiction in terms.

    • Let's not forget that in most countries, just the woman saying "no" is sufficient proof of guilt.