Home Media statements House arrest for kleptocrats? A red line we must not cross

House arrest for kleptocrats? A red line we must not cross

Concerns mount as government's proposal for home detention sparks unease about possible selective justice for elite offenders

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The Malaysian government’s recent plan to introduce a law for house arrest is cause for concern, especially for those who value justice and rule of law.

While we appreciate the significance of giving the convicted “second chances” in their lifetime, as argued by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, there are serious concerns.

As PKR’s Gudang Pasir MP Hassan Karim pointed out, this home detention initiative could be laying the groundwork for a law to “lighten the sentence for certain elite groups”.

Though home detention was presented as an alternative form of punishment for selected offences, it would be an infringement of the rule of law, a bending of justice, if this legal provision serves as an escape clause for those who should serve their time in prison for their serious criminal offences, particularly corruption.

The timing raises suspicion. This home detention plan was slipped in the Budget in the wake of recent efforts by certain quarters to have former Prime Minister Najib Razak put under house arrest. Their efforts came after the Pardons Board reduced his jail sentence of 12 years by half while his RM210m fine was slashed to RM50m.

We must be firm. Any individual who is caught stealing from the public purse, a serious affront to the people’s interests, does not deserve to be “incarcerated” in the comfort of his or her luxurious home.

A felon of this ilk should not have any other option but to serve time in prison. Introducing home detention for such people would make a mockery of the government’s professed desire to fight corruption.

READ MORE:  House arrest for Najib?

This is a red line we must not cross – what more if we are serious about reforms. The government’s entire credibility is at stake.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on the people not to “politicise” this issue.

But remaining silent on this crucial issue would be equally “political” as concerned groups might be seen as acquiescing to the move.

Given the serious nature of the government’s proposal, people must have the right to strongly express their opposition to any hint of selective justice.

To quell the public disquiet, the government must categorically state that Najib and other elite offenders will not be eligible for home detention or house arrest.

Aliran executive committee
24 October 2024

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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