KUALA LUMPUR: Jerlun MP Datuk Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN) has advocated for harsher penalties for those convicted of corruption, suggesting maximum jail terms, hefty fines, and asset forfeiture as deterrents.
Abd Ghani emphasised that corruption is strictly prohibited in Islam and should be addressed firmly.
"It is not enough to simply issue stern warnings. In many cases, action taken has been limited to disciplinary measures or suspensions," he stated during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 6).
During his speech, Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) asked whether Abd Ghani supported adopting stricter punishments for corruption, similar to those in countries like China, where the death penalty can be imposed.
In response, Abd Ghani expressed support for severe punishments but insisted they must comply with the existing legal framework.
"I support heavier penalties, but they must follow our country’s laws," he said.
He also urged the government to revive the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 amendment Bill - better known as RUU 355 - which had been approved by Cabinet under the previous Perikatan Nasional government but was not tabled in Parliament due to its dissolution in October 2022.
"I urge that the remaining technical work be continued so the Bill can be reintroduced in this House," he said.
PAS president and Marang MP Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang first proposed the RUU 355 amendment as a private member's Bill in 1996.
The Bill seeks to expand the jurisdiction of Syariah Courts beyond the current limits of RM5,000 fines, three years' imprisonment, or six strokes of the cane, aligning it more closely with Syariah law, excluding the death penalty.
However, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stated that RUU 355 would not be tabled during the third session of the 15th Parliament, and they would proceed with the second reading of the Mufti Bill instead.
