American Couple Has Close Encounter with Shari'a in Malaysia

Sat, Oct 28, 2006 at 7:17:19 pm PDT

The forces of radical Islam are getting very bold in Malaysia; an American couple was subjected to a humiliating, terrifying 2 am khalwat inspection by “religious enforcement officers:” Couple in khalwat raid may drop second home plan. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)

LANGKAWI: Retired American policeman Randal Barnhart, who was subjected to a 2am raid by religious enforcement officers, is reconsidering his plan to make Malaysia his second home. 

“After that unpleasant episode two weeks ago, I do not feel like making Malaysia my second home. It is a pity because both my wife and I really love Langkawi,” he said. 

On Oct 12, Barnhart, 62, and his wife Carole, 61, were in their rented condominium in Kuah when enforcement officers continuously knocked on their door at 2am, accusing them of committing khalwat (close proximity). 

He said the officers demanded to see his marriage certificate, although he had told them that they were Christians and should not be subjected to Islamic law. 

“We find it difficult to forget the unpleasant episode. My wife was so terrified by the incident that she fears sleeping in that condominium,” he added.  

Banhart said the officers were rude and insisted on “seeing the woman” when he opened the door. “My wife had to show herself despite only having a sarong on at that time. We felt humiliated for being treated this way,” he said. 

He said he had to send his wife back to the United States on the next available flight because she feared people might return to the condominium to terrify her in the middle of the night. She flew home on Wednesday.  

“I want the religious department to apologise to me and my wife in writing,” he added.

Under shari’a law, khalwat is the crime of being in close proximity to someone of the opposite sex who is neither a spouse nor a relative.