Human rights activist condemns Syed Saddiq’s ‘barbaric’ caning sentence

Peter John Jaban (file photo)

KUCHING, Nov 14: Human rights activist Peter John Jaban condemns the caning sentence handed down to former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, saying there is no excuse for this ‘barbaric’ practice in a modern society.

In a press statement, Peter John said that the caning sentence was disproportionate to the crime in question and unnecessary in a modern nation, calling on the relevant authorities to abolish caning as a form of punishment.

“Caning is a barbaric practice that puts Malaysia out of step with the international community and human rights advocates. It is a relic from 19th-century colonial rule that, in my view, has no place in modern Malaysian society, particularly for a white-collar crime such as this.

“This punishment often leaves the subject scarred for life. It is an exercise in humiliation and an exertion of dominance by the state. It leaves a mark long after the offender has served his time and is free to return to society, a presumption that all convicted criminals are entitled to,” said Peter John, also deputy president of Global Human Rights Federation Malaysia.

He said another key principle of law is that the sentence should be proportionate to the crime, as Syed Saddiq will be serving a 7-year custodial sentence and subject to a substantial fine.

The activist elaborated that the addition of corporal punishment is ‘a step too far’ and one that has not been imposed on other politicians accused of similar or even worse examples of graft.

“This is not a violent crime offender. This is not a repeat offender. What possible justification can there be for this level of state-sanctioned violence against him?”

“The condemned, in this case, is a young man with a life of public service behind him. Once he has served his sentence, there is every reason to believe that he will be fully rehabilitated and continue to make a decent contribution to society.

“He is an Oxford graduate, an intelligent young man of good family, and, not to forget, a Syed,” he said.

Peter John added that Syed Saddiq could learn from the ordeal without being caned, adding that a custodial sentence of this length should be enough to remind the former minister of his debt to society.

“If not, then further sanctions remain available to the state to impose on him as deserved. There is no need to impose such a horrifying punishment in this case.

“This kind of sentence does not put Malaysia in a good light internationally and does not, in this case, fit the purpose of the law — to protect society and to provide justice. Caning for a white-collar crime cannot be justifiable,” he said.

On Nov 9, it was reported that Syed Saddiq had been sentenced to seven years in jail, two strokes of the rotan (cane), and a RM10 million fine after he was found guilty of abetting in criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of assets, and money laundering. — DayakDaily