KUALA LUMPUR The spiritual leader of Malaysia's opposition Islamic party has urged the federal government to publicly stone rapists to death, a report said Saturday.

The call by Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who is also chief minister of eastern Kelantan state ruled by the hardline Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS), followed tougher penalties to be imposed against offenders.

Under proposed amendments, those committing rape that results in death will face the gallows while incestual rapists will be jailed for up to 30 years, from 20 years currently, and given a minimum of 10 strokes of the cane.

The cabinet has also decided that offenders aged 50 and above, who were previously spared from whipping, were now liable to be whipped.