vox populi small thumbnail 'Six years for a crime against the nation - if he was in China, he would be executed. So far, has anyone gone to jail for corruption, especially for major ones?'

Ex-Immigration deputy head gets 56 yrs jail

Albert: Let it be a clear message to the corrupt that severe punishments will always be waiting for those who are caught stealing from the country. The MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) should never rest on their laurels as the country is facing corruption at an unprecedented and massive scale.

Corruption is a curse to any country as it breeds leakages to the country's economy, sub-standard workmanship and inferior materials used, inefficiency and ineffectiveness (especially in the civil services), etc.

Shouldn't it be appropriate for MACC to now act without fear, favour and most importantly without unnecessary delay against other corruption cases (especially top politicians involving obscene amount of money) and where documentary evidences are readily available? For example, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Soapbox: If this man gets 56 years for pocketing RM120,000, surely it has to be the death penalty for the one who took RM500 million for the two Scorpene submarines, and at the same time sent out the order to finish off Altantuya Shaariibuu?

Mahindar Singh: Six years for a crime against the nation - if he was in China, he would be executed. Corruption definitely pays in Malaysia.

It is about time the government review all corruption charges and impose maximum sentences. There is nothing to celebrate here as six years is way too short. And now the sentence is on appeal. That will take a few more years. So far, has anyone gone to jail for corruption, especially for major ones?

The public perception is that the BN is only giving lip service to the anti-corruption fight. The corruption in this country is because BN's 50-year rule is without accountability. Imagine if BN was still running Selangor today?

David Yee: I have come to the conclusion that all the so-called prominent persons and VVIPs are being used as scapegoats as they are more or less retired folks, which BN no longer need to keep. The influential ones are still at large despite being prominently corrupt in the eyes of the public.

The MACC is not perceived to be independent. The public's best guess is that this is only a ‘wayang kulit' for the next general elections. Correct me if I am wrong.

Aku Melayu Islam: Dia tak sempat join Umno, ke? Macam mana dengan Abdul Razak Baginda, Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, Ling Liong Sik, Rafidah Aziz, Abdul Taib Mahmud, etc. Semoga teruskan usaha menghapus gejala rasuah. Rakyat hanya akan hormati tindakan sekiranya ahli-ahli BN juga dikenakan tindakan, bukan amalan pendakwaan terpilih.

Fido Dido: With the heavy sentence against Yusuf Abu Bakar, is that why PM Najib Razak is not willing to investigate Sarawak CM Taib Mahmud? The PM must take action against him, only then will the rakyat believe you. There are so many high-profile cases mentioned. When will MACC start cracking its whip?

TSC: What this sudden flurry of prosecutions and convictions? It looks like the 13th general elections is around the corner. After GE13, if BN wins, these convictions will likely be reduced or quashed. And why only prosecute small fry? What about big sharks like Taib Mahmud?

Kee Thuan Chye: Definitely a verdict made in the spirit of the coming general election. But, my fellow knowing Malaysians, let us contrast this with the light sentence Khir Toyo will be getting if he is found guilty, and use it to tell unknowing Malaysians of the double standards practised by Umno.

Let us tell the fence-sitters and BN supporters that this is clear evidence that they will continue to be fooled if they continue to vote for BN.

Cala: I share similar sentiments as expressed by many in this forum. I suspect this out of ordinary verdict on ex-Immigration deputy director-general Yusof Abu Bakar is used for political purpose.

Would you accept such a harsh sentence on him? Where is the common law (case law) that is used for guide? Surely to a reasonable guy on the street, every man should be treated equally and fairly. In sum, if I were Yusof Abu Bakar's lawyer, I would demand that my client be sentenced along past precedence (assuming he is guilty as charged).

Meranti Kepong: The next person to be charged is Taib Mahmud. The question is whether MACC would dare to touch him against the wishes of their BN-Umno masters?

Ex-CCID chief's lawyer acquitted of graft

Anonymous: Well, this yet another big slap on former police chief Musa Hassan's face. Better watch out, Musa. Payback time is approaching fast now that one by one those whom you tried to fixed up for good is being vindicated by the courts.

I don't think you and your friends can sleep well from now on. Be afraid. Be very afraid, for they will come for you and your buddies. What goes around comes around.

Wira: This case undoubtedly shows the power which top civil servants in this country can wield to abuse the law in order to harass someone they do not like without a blink from the ruling political elite in Putrajaya.

Bid to free 'whistleblower' Selvach fails

Not Confused:

Once again, this case proves that too much unbridled power is vested in the hands of the home minister.

Hishammuddin Hussein's actions and statements on a whole range of issues and incidents proves that he is not only bias, but incompetent and totally lacking in integrity. He should not be allowed to hold such unchallengeable power.

Dev: Sad to say this, but we all know that this will definitely end up as another death-in-custody case, and will be swept under the carpets of the Home Ministry and the royal police force again if no demands for explanation of his injuries and promise of his well-being in custody are sought. This is just sickening.

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