Syariah lawyers have now come to the defence of caning children, stating that it is in Islam to cane, but there are ways to do it.

Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia president Musa Awang said that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry should take into account views of all parties before abolishing caning children in the laws in line with the UN's Convention of Rights of Children (CRC).

Musa also pointed out that Article 19 of the CRC did not mention specifically the act of “spanking or hitting”, and only mentioned “physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse” against children.

"Even though we are tied to the international convention, the socio-culture, the customs and religious practices of the community in the country must be taken into account, especially as there is a Muslim majority.

"The act of caning or beating a child for reasons of educating and disciplining is encouraged (harus) in Islam," said Musa ( right ) in a statement.

He also expressed the group’s concern that the new law will be manipulated by quarters who wish to take the custody of children from certain parents.

“Because of a light caning made to educate children, those who want to take custody of these children will lodge a report and thus the parents will be detained.

“The prohibition to cane children is part of the west’s agenda. We ask the government not to be influenced by the west’s agenda,” he said.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim yesterday said that caning children may soon be a criminal offence under a new law to replace the Child Act 2001.

 

While acknowledging that caning is a norm to discipline children in Malaysia, Rohani said the country needs to comply with international laws.

Meanwhile former Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said that it is wrong to portray Islam as a violent religion.

A father who beats his child is not seen as a good father in Islam and there are many thorough processes one has to go through before even coming to the need to cane, said Asri.

Asri also said that there is no encouragement in Islam to hit children.

He gave an example where it is even worse if a father has not set a good example, such as scolding his child for smoking when he himself smokes.

“It is the same for a father who does not provide sustenance and education, but hits his child. Such fathers are traitors of Allah’s trust (amanah).

He added that should a parent hit a child without any valid reason, which leads to a permanent injury or serious pain, the government can consider it a criminal offence.