Khir Toyo’s journey from MB to convicted corrupt prisoner must serve a lesson for all public officials — C4 Board of Directors

SEPT 30 — In Malaysia, there are few graft cases, especially high profile ones involving politicians that see a court verdict arriving at a prison sentence.

Thus, the  Federal Court’s decision to punish and convict former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to 12 months of imprisonment, must be acknowledged as a step in the right direction and must be lauded.

The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4), sees this is as a clear warning to all public officials who engage in corruption and fraudulent activities, that the culture of impunity cannot be tolerated.

Khir Toyo’s journey from a top public official to a prisoner must hold as a rude awakening for all public officials that embezzlement of funds, personal gratification and abuse of power must not be tolerated, and that the culture of impunity holds no place in Malaysian society.

Yes the sentence is too light - akin to a slap on the wrist of an errant child. The 12 months do not commensurate with the gravity of the offence. Corruption and land embezzlement is a crime of serious proportions that warrants commensurate punishments.

Khir was found guilty by the court with receiving for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik two plots of land at No 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/11, Shah Alam valued at RM3.5 million from the director of Ditamas Sdn Bhd Shamsudin Hayroni. The offence was committed at the Selangor MB’s official residence on May 29, 2007 and Khir was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code for gratification by a public servant, which carries a maximum two years’ jail sentence or a fine or both.

At a time when the country’s top leadership, and those impervious to the long arm of the law - faces multifarious investigations and international scrutiny into serious financial misappropriations, Malaysia’s public institutions must show strength and assert its duty to act without fear and favour.

There is no place to hide for corrupt offenders. Let this be a serious warning to all, never to abuse one’s powers when holding public office, and never betray the trust of the rakyat. 

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.