Whipped for drinking but okay to smoke?

Our country, Malaysia is a liberal country... a multiracial community who lives together harmoniously...

We have the freedom to say what we like, eat what we want, dress how we like, do what we can, as long as it's within the law.

We have the freedom to decide who our life partner is, freedom to date.

We have the freedom to choose our religion. Sounds great right?

Nope! Not if you are born a Malay. The moment you are born to a Malay couple, you are a confirmed Muslim. Yes! No second choice. From young you will be taught to recite the Quran and observes strict Islamic rules.

You cannot eat what you like, only 'halal' food is allowed.

You cannot dress how you like, you must cover your 'aurat' (parts of your body that shouldn't be seen by the public e.g. your arms, legs)

Your life partner must be a Muslim and you cannot go on a romantic date with just your partner alone to places that do not have a third person's presence...they call this 'khalwat'.

And you cannot convert to another religion, once you are a Muslim you must die a Muslim!

If you are caught doing any of the forbidden acts, you'll be tried in the 'Syariah Court'. (Islamic Court) Nothing bad about these yes? They are for your own good!

Recently one Muslim lady model was caught drinking beer (forbidden food) and she was sentenced to be whipped 6 times! Plus a RM5000 fine! Wow! This court is really something. I've heard of criminals such as rapist, robbers, molesters, drug pushers being whipped but for drinking beer? Since when drinking beer has become a serious crime? If she drinks and drives and got someone hurt then I guess she deserves it but for just drinking it?

What about smoking then? Isn't smoking 'haram' too. Even though tobacco did not exist at the time of the revelation of the Quran (7th century A.D.), yet the Quran did state, "...he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad..." (Quran 7:157). Meaning? Whatever that is bad for your body is forbidden! It has been proven medically that smoking tobacco (cigarette) causes harm to ones body, therefore smoking is definitely 'haram'? Right?

Then why are Muslims allow to smoke in public and not be fined or whipped for doing so?
Just because the word 'cigarette/tobacco' is not clearly stated in the Quran? So it is just too bad that alcohol's existence is longer than tobacco?

For whatever reason, I surely think that being whipped 6 times for drinking beer is definitely too harsh a punishment for a lady! The honorable judge who passes this sentence might be thinking he's playing god? Cleansing the sins out of this lady? By inflicting pain?

Can't help thinking how lucky I am...