PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed concern that the caning sentence ordered on part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno might be too harsh.

Among the questions he posed in his blog were whether the punishment might not have been appropriate given the differences of opinion stemming from the issue.

"Is not Islam merciful to first-time offenders?" Dr Mahathir asked, adding that fairness and consideration were the main tenets in Islam.

"We will be celebrating our independence this year by flogging a Muslim woman for drinking beer under Syariah law," he said.

"Although the story has gone across the globe, Muslims should not worry about other people's perceptions when dealing with matters of our religion despite the negative or positive image it might bring," he added.

--The Star/ANN