Siti Kasim Challenges Public Whipping in Terengganu and Halal Certificate Regulation in Kelantan

Kuala Lumpur, December 30, 2024 – Human rights activist Siti Kasim has made a public statement seeking individuals interested in challenging the enforcement of public whipping in Terengganu and the mandatory halal certification in Kelantan. According to Siti, the public whipping imposed on a man in Terengganu is unconstitutional and places undue pressure on the syariah court’s authority to carry out such punishments publicly.

Siti Kasim emphasized that this syariah court judgment, carried out openly, can be challenged in civil court to determine whether it is lawful under the country’s constitution. She is calling for individuals, particularly from Terengganu, who wish to take this issue to court and initiate legal action.

Additionally, Siti raised concerns over the halal certification requirement introduced by the Kelantan state government. She pointed out that this regulation affects all businesses, including those owned by non-Muslims, who are required to obtain a halal certificate in order to operate in the state. Siti is looking for business owners, particularly non-Muslims, who are impacted by this regulation to join in challenging the law against the Kelantan state government.

Siti clarified that the purpose of this action is not to oppose Islam but to assess whether the regulations enforced by the state government are in line with the national constitution. She encourages anyone interested in taking legal action to contact her via WhatsApp or Facebook, assuring that they do not need to appear publicly in court if they do not wish to.

Siti also expressed concern about the growing influence of certain religious ideologies in the country’s governance, warning against Malaysia becoming entangled in laws that could undermine constitutional principles.