SHAH ALAM - The sentencing of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman by the Kuala Lumpur High Court is a signal to politicians that no one is above the law.
Malaysian Women's Aspiration Organisation (Aswa) chairman Wan Azliana Wan Adnan said that everyone, regardless of status, should be aware that any crime they commit will be prosecuted and punished.
"This is also seen as a preventive measure, or a deterrent, to the community, to stop others from doing the same thing.
"It has demonstrated that justice must not only be implemented but also seen to be carried out," she told Sinar when contacted.
Wan Azliana said that Aswa respects the judge's decision, who felt that the punishment was a lesson to both the wrongdoer and the public.
Syed Saddiq was found guilty on Thursday of four counts of conspiracy to commit criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property, and money laundering of funds belonging to Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada).
Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid ruled that the defence had failed to establish a reasonable doubt at the end of its case.
Azhar, who is also a lawyer, said that cases of embezzlement and corruption are becoming increasingly common, and that the sentence is a reminder that these crimes are serious and can jeopardise national harmony.
"It was surprising because he was the first politician to be sentenced to whipping, which is stipulated in Penal Code Act 403 for misappropriation of property and cheating, and Penal Code Act 406 for criminal breach of trust," Wan Azliana said.
However, she added that Syed Saddiq has the right to appeal the sentence to the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.