your say "There are far worse and serious crimes going on in the nation. Corruption, power abuse, and all sorts of things that are dooming our country. Yet people are more concerned about a woman drinking beer."

PAS backs caning, rejects Bar's premise

SRR : You can't force people to do what you think or what this and that says "right or wrong" simply because one by faith alone believes it is the word of God. If this continues to be tolerated, it is only making room for worse atrocities in the near future. Why can't people can't see and understand how this is being carefully orchestrated slowly and cunningly into the Malaysian lifestyle and system? If you don't stop this now, it might be too late then when more and more people are brainwashed into this system of backward thinking.

Dennis Madden : Something has to be done about separating religion from matters of state, and maybe encouraging PAS and UMNO to unite might be just what is needed to allow commonsense and fact to govern this country instead of outdated religious dogma.

Kacheek2907 : So, which verse in the Quran is he referring to? There is no such "syariah" punishment for drinkers detailed in the Quran. Not even once. Even in the hadith, the rotan punishment was because the guy committed slander and not for drinking alcohol. So, please. Don't fool us Muslims with "It's the Quran.. It's the Quran...." Give us the verses, else what difference does it make between you and another guy on the street who can say things without substance?

Theresa Lim : We just supported PAS in the by-election and they come out with this stance. PAS may be consistent in upholding Islamic principles but they do not see the Malaysian context. The new trend in Malaysia is not merely to topple BN but to coexist in harmony. I am afraid that there is a basic incompatibility between PAS and the non-Muslim populace. I don't see how we can co-exist if PAS insists on living in the age of the Prophet.

Durianwool : Right, so drinking liquid of 4 percent alcohol and harming no one at all is such a awful crime that it deserves whipping/canning to a lady in this day and age.

Thiyagarajan Velumail: There are far worse and serious crimes going on in the nation. corruption, power abuse, and all sorts of things that are dooming our country. Yet people are more concerned about a woman drinking beer. Please grow up! Leaders are very worrying nowadays.

Rafidah : I support Ustaz Nasharuddin's view.

1. A Muslim is subject to Syariah law. In this case, Kartika herself agreed to the punishment. I can't understand why other people take so much pains to obstruct Syariah by hook or by crook.

2. It clearly stated that the caning in syariah law is different from civil law.

3. It doesn't matter whether one enjoys beer or not but for Muslims, it is haram.

4. Ms Kartika admitted her wrongdoing and readily accepted the punishment. She accepted that her position in Islam makes her subject to the law, and so is her family. The question whether she would remain Muslim does not arise. I suspect there are so many Muslims out there who are afraid of the Syariah Law repercussion upon them who are screaming foul over this matter. Shame on them.

Thomas A Nathan : Non-Muslims and moderate Muslims still do not trust PAS as they can become condesending and arrogant when in power or authority.

At the moment they are riding on Pakatan's coat tails because of the anti-BN tide. But when in power they tend to impose their will on all and sundry riding roughshod over anyone's religion or custom in the name of Islam.

They are a thorn in Pakatan's side and could pose problems within Pakatan, if Pakatan comes into power. In my personal opinion Pakatan should go into the next election without PAS. UMNO will be doing Pakatan a great favour if they team up with PAS in the name of Malay Unity then Pakatan will be free.

If PAS teams up with UMNO, I'm sure many in PAS (especially the moderates) will leave and form another rival party under the Pakatan Umbrella or maybe join PKR. PAS better tone down its attitude if it still wants the non-Malay votes and support.