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Lenient Laws Fueling Criminal Boldness, Experts Warn
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Lenient Laws Fueling Criminal Boldness, Experts Warn

From Utusan Malaysia · (8m ago) Malay Critical tone

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Malaysia's laws are perceived as too lenient, contributing to an increase in boldness among criminals and a lack of adequate punishment.
  • The effectiveness of the legal system, particularly the Penal Code, is questioned due to infrequent and insufficient amendments that fail to keep pace with current societal issues.
  • There is a public expectation for stricter, fairer, and more effective laws, including increased penalties, to ensure public safety and uphold the principle of the rule of law.

The current state of crime in Malaysia is a growing concern, placing significant pressure on both the public and law enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the Immigration Department, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM). Despite various efforts to combat crime, the reality is that not all criminals face proportionate consequences, leading to a sense of impunity.

Walaupun pelbagai usaha dilaksanakan untuk membanteras jenayah, sama ada melibatkan nyawa atau kesalahan lain, realitinya tidak semua penjenayah menerima hukuman setimpal.

— MATA RAKYATStating that not all criminals receive proportionate punishments despite efforts to combat crime.

This situation raises serious questions about the efficacy of our legal system. The issue is not new; it is deeply rooted in our legal framework, particularly the Penal Code, which rarely undergoes comprehensive revision. While amendments occur sporadically, they are often too minimal and fail to address the evolving nature of crime and societal challenges. The abolition of mandatory sentencing in certain cases, for instance, has sparked debate among those who advocate for more stringent justice.

Keadaan ini menimbulkan persoalan tentang keberkesanan sistem perundangan negara.

— MATA RAKYATQuestioning the effectiveness of the national legal system.

Furthermore, other laws pertaining to crimes such as domestic violence, riots, unlawful possession of uniforms, and traffic offenses also appear stagnant. The Road Transport Act 1987, for example, retains penalties and fines that are no longer effective deterrents. Phenomena like illegal racing, drug abuse, and drunk driving persist despite enforcement operations, indicating a failure of existing punishments to instill fear or respect for the law.

Walaupun terdapat pindaan dari semasa ke semasa, perubahan yang dilakukan dilihat terlalu sedikit dan tidak mengikuti perkembangan semasa.

— MATA RAKYATCritiquing the inadequacy and infrequency of legal amendments.

As citizens, we look towards a legal system that is more robust, just, and effective. Amendments to laws must be thorough, encompassing increased fines and longer prison sentences, applied impartially regardless of a perpetrator's background. Justice should not be selective or influenced by external factors. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the authorities and policymakers to strengthen these laws. Until these weaknesses are addressed, crime will continue to be a recurring problem. To guarantee the safety of our society and nation, the principle of the 'Sovereignty of Law' must be upheld with greater seriousness and consistency.

Dalam hal ini, masyarakat mengharapkan sistem perundangan yang lebih tegas, adil dan berkesan.

— MATA RAKYATExpressing public expectation for a stricter, fairer, and more effective legal system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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