Chin Tek Ming (third right) with supporters during his anti-corruption campaign launch on Gaya Street.
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah lawyer has called for the introduction of caning as a punishment for corruption as current penalties are ineffective in deterring offenders.
Parti Warisan legal advisor Chin Tek Ming launched an anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday (June 15), advocating for tougher laws including physical punishment for those found guilty of graft.
As part of the campaign, Chin’s team displayed effigies labelled with signs such as "Severely Punish Corruption, Caning Awaits" and invited the public to strike the figures with rattan canes, an act that drew enthusiastic participation.
He renewed his call for amendments to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) to include caning as an additional penalty, citing the persistent emergence of high-profile corruption cases involving political leaders and civil servants.
“The current provisions of imprisonment and fines are clearly ineffective. In China, penalties for bribery and corruption can go as far as the death penalty depending on severity,” he said.
“Malaysia upholds human rights, so we’re not suggesting anything extreme. But at the very least, caning should be considered to serve as a strong deterrent,” added Chin.
Former political secretary Pritchard Gumbaris and Yong Tain Vui both joined Chin, saying that stronger penalties need to be handed down to corrupt individuals.
They said corruption by public officials is more damaging than theft as it not only cripples economic progress but also sends the wrong message to future generations.
“This is an awakening campaign,” they said. “Corruption in our state is worsening, and the only way to curb it is by strengthening the law — including through the introduction of caning.”
During the event, Chin also provided free legal consultation to the public.
