It seems like it is getting easier to drop corruption charges in Malaysia, as long as you have RM 1.1million in your pocket.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Maslan is the man. He has been discharged of his money laundering of RM 2 million and giving false statements. The High Court has withdrawn the charge against Ahmad Maslan as he has paid a RM 1.1 million compound.
How does the calculation add up? Ahmad Maslan was compounded with RM 1.1 million but the amount laundered is RM 2 million. Where does the rest of RM 900,000 go? Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Attorney General have agreed to not prosecute him because the compound is punitive. Why MACC and Attorney General offered a compound that is less than the total amount of money laundered? This decision will not effectively deter the politicians and businessmen from corruption, as they can drop the corruption charges as long as they have the money. And money is never a problem for the rich and powerful.
High Court’s discharge gives an impression to all the Malaysian that money is king. Previously, a similar decision has been made to Riza Aziz, the stepson of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The Session Court has granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to Riza Aziz, of which Riza Aziz has returned a portion of money from money laundering, as well as a RM 500,000 compound.
Attorney General should enact a stricter law when it comes to corruption and money laundering. The powerful and rich will continue involving in the filthy transactions and using the loopholes to escape prosecution if there is no tighter restriction to deter them. If no action is taken, it is afraid that the powerful and rich will continue to exploit people’s hard-earned money.
#SuaraMasyarakat
