KUALA LUMPUR: Right wing Malay movement Perkasa has proposed that the corrupt be subjected to mandatory caning and life sentences.

Its Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bureau chairman Jais Abdul Karim said such severe punishment, equivalent to the penalty for drug trafficking, must be imposed to curb corruption in the country.

“Thus, we urge mandatory caning and life imprisonment be imposed, as we feel this is commensurate with the offence,” he said at the People Rising Against Corruption Forum organised by Perkasa at the Sultan Sulaiman Club here yesterday.

Jais said the government should also introduce a new act, which should be named the ‘Sabotaging the Economy Act’, to ensure that those being investigated for corruption are detained indefinitely without bail.

He said the act, similar to the previous Internal Security Act, is now needed to ensure a thorough investigation process.

“Indefinite detention without bail is needed so that those suspected of corruption will not have a chance to destroy evidence or influence witness(es) involved in the cases,” said Jais.

He also said Malaysians from all walks of life must also be brave and proactive in reporting on corruption to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Such reports could also be channelled through anti-corruption NGOs, which would assist in forwarding the reports to the authorities, Jais said.

About 150 people attended the forum. – BERNAMA

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd