Corruption: Punishment for elite offenders should be heavier

SHAH ALAM - Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) President Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar believes that the prison sentence for corruption cases especially those involving the elite group needs to be heavier.

He said the elite had enough money to hire good lawyers to defend them in court and eventually acquit them of the charges.

"I think the purpose of having this prison punishment is first of course as a punishment, secondly being retribution and lastly to make it a lesson and ensure it does not happen again.

"That is the few things we should look into because I believe that the elite group and bribers who have money like the ‘tauke’ and so on are really afraid of going into jail.

"The implication will cause the elite people who practice corruption to give it a second thought before engaging in it (corruption activity)," he said.

He said this while on the Rasuah Busters Compass program titled 'Corruption Punishment Is Still Light' broadcasted on Sinar Harian socia media platforms on Wednesday.

The program also featured panellists Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association Exco Hariz Yusoff while Zaim Zaini acted as a moderator.

Akhbar said it is time for judges to see how serious of an impact corruption had on the country.

He said the offence of corruption cannot be equated to murder offences because of its different implications.

"If they decided to murder a person it will be a problem between them and the victim's family however, corruption has other implications.

"Even if RM1 was taken, the money could be used for the purpose of good such as building hospitals and preparing medicine for the people.

"The implications of it could be terrible for the country," he said.