'I was ready to be caned'
Hafiz YatimPublished: Apr 1, 2010 8:24 PM | Updated: Apr 2, 2010 3:24 PM
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, who had her caning sentence reduced to a three-week community service at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah children's home, said she accepted and respected the Pahang sultan's decision.
'I was prepared to be given any punishment, including caning, if this is meant to educate Muslims. However, as this came from the sultan, I have to accept it.'
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, who had her caning sentence reduced to a three-week community service at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah children's home, said she accepted and respected the Pahang sultan's decision.
“I accept the punishment with mixed feelings. It is hard for me to describe as I was ready to be caned.
"I was prepared to be given any punishment, including caning, if this is meant to educate Muslims. However, as this came from the sultan, I have to accept it."
Met while on her way to Kuantan at the Jalan Duta bus station, she told about 10 to 15 reporters who had waited for her, that she told her two children - aged six and eight - that she was going to work.
Accompanied by her father Shukarno Mutalib, uncle Muhamad Azfar Affandi and sister Wan Kaitlyn Sari, Kartika expressed hope that her experience would serve as a lesson to all.
Describing the whole episode as a blessing in disguise, the 33-year-old part-time model said it had strengthened the bond to her family and also her understanding of the religion.
“I vow never to touch alcohol again. God willing, I shall be a good Muslim,” she said.
On her way to Kuantan
Asked as to what she expects the nature of her community service would be, Kartika said she did not have a clue.
“All I was told is that I will be confined to work within the premises (of the children’s home) and not outside. I will accept whatever task given to me and will do it with great responsibility,” she said.
“As I will be surrounded with children below 12, I think it should be fine as I also love children,” she said.
Kartika also related her experience in meeting the sultan, where she expressed grieve that her case had drawn the attention of the ruler and also the prime minister.
Kartika refused to divulge details of her future plans beyond saying that she would like to be involved in the education of special needs children, especially those suffering from cerebral palsy.
“As my eldest child has cerebral palsy, I hope to share my experience in raising her with others who are faced with the same situation,” Kartika said.
Cerebral palsy is a deficiency of motor control with involuntary spasms caused by permanent brain damage present at birth.
Shukarno, who was also present, declined to comment on the three women who were caned in February for illicit sex.
“Let the lawmakers deal with it. Each has its own unique circumstances. I respect the sultan's decision in this case,” he said.
Shukarno will be accompanying Kartika to Kuantan, where she will surrender herself to the Pahang Islamic Affairs Department to begin her community service.
“I accept the punishment with mixed feelings. It is hard for me to describe as I was ready to be caned.
"I was prepared to be given any punishment, including caning, if this is meant to educate Muslims. However, as this came from the sultan, I have to accept it."Met while on her way to Kuantan at the Jalan Duta bus station, she told about 10 to 15 reporters who had waited for her, that she told her two children - aged six and eight - that she was going to work.
Accompanied by her father Shukarno Mutalib, uncle Muhamad Azfar Affandi and sister Wan Kaitlyn Sari, Kartika expressed hope that her experience would serve as a lesson to all.
Describing the whole episode as a blessing in disguise, the 33-year-old part-time model said it had strengthened the bond to her family and also her understanding of the religion.
“I vow never to touch alcohol again. God willing, I shall be a good Muslim,” she said.
On her way to Kuantan
Asked as to what she expects the nature of her community service would be, Kartika said she did not have a clue.
“All I was told is that I will be confined to work within the premises (of the children’s home) and not outside. I will accept whatever task given to me and will do it with great responsibility,” she said.
“As I will be surrounded with children below 12, I think it should be fine as I also love children,” she said.
Kartika also related her experience in meeting the sultan, where she expressed grieve that her case had drawn the attention of the ruler and also the prime minister.
Kartika refused to divulge details of her future plans beyond saying that she would like to be involved in the education of special needs children, especially those suffering from cerebral palsy.
“As my eldest child has cerebral palsy, I hope to share my experience in raising her with others who are faced with the same situation,” Kartika said.
Cerebral palsy is a deficiency of motor control with involuntary spasms caused by permanent brain damage present at birth.
Shukarno, who was also present, declined to comment on the three women who were caned in February for illicit sex.
“Let the lawmakers deal with it. Each has its own unique circumstances. I respect the sultan's decision in this case,” he said.
Shukarno will be accompanying Kartika to Kuantan, where she will surrender herself to the Pahang Islamic Affairs Department to begin her community service.
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