History Made in Malaysian Courts: First-Ever White-Collar Criminal Sentenced to Caning - Syed Saddiq
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman Makes Headlines for Unusual Sentencing
- Shah Alam, March 26 (Bernama)
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman made international news as the first Malaysian political figure sentenced to caning for white-collar crimes. The Muda president, 31, received a four-year prison sentence, a RM10 million fine, and six strokes of the rotan in the High Court of Kuala Lumpur.
Syed Saddiq Convicted of White-Collar Crimes
Syed Saddiq was convicted of four charges related to criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property, and money laundering involving funds belonging to his party, Bersatu’s Armada unit.
Comparison of Sentences: Syed Saddiq vs Najib Razak
The sentence is harsher than the punishment received by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2020. He received a 12-year imprisonment without caning for seven counts of breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC).
Caning: A Controversial Form of Punishment
Caning is a punishment typically given to male offenders between 18 and 50 years old for specific offenses like theft, robbery, or drug trafficking. Female offenders or individuals over 50 are exempted.
Syed Saddiq’s Emotional Response
During a press conference outside the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex, a visibly distraught Syed Saddiq was consoled by his parents, Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz and Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Asgaff.
A Debate Reignited: Pros and Cons of Caning
The sentencing of Syed Saddiq has renewed the debate on the use of caning as a form of punishment. Some see it as a potent deterrent to crime, while others view it as an outdated and inhumane practice. The Malaysian Bar’s Human Rights Committee has questioned the physical and mental consequences of caning and suggested alternative methods of punishment.
Significance of Syed Saddiq’s Sentencing
Despite the controversial nature of caning, Syed Saddiq’s sentencing is significant in the current Malaysian legal landscape.