SHAH ALAM - Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has made history as the first Malaysian representative to be sentenced to lashes for white-collar crimes.
The Muda president was handed this punishment after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur found him guilty of four charges of abetting in criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property, and money laundering involving Bersatu's Armada funds.
In addition to the lashes, the 31-year-old former youngest minister of the country was also sentenced to seven years in prison and fined RM10 million.
This hefty penalty is a stark contrast to that of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who received a 12-year prison sentence and a RM210 million fine without whipping, as he is over 50 years old.
Najib had been found guilty of seven counts of breach of trust, abuse of position, and money laundering of RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC).
The lashing punishment is typically reserved for male offenders aged 18 to 50 who are convicted of certain offences, including theft, robbery, and drug trafficking.
However, there are exceptions for female offenders or individuals over 50 years of age.
Syed Saddiq, the youngest of four siblings, appeared subdued during a press conference held in the lobby of the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex. He was immediately comforted by his parents, Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz and Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Asagoff, as well as dozens of supporters.
The sentencing of Syed Saddiq has sparked a debate about the use of lashings as a form of punishment. While some argue that it is an effective deterrent against crime, others maintain that it is a cruel and inhumane practice.