Uproar over lenient sentence meted out to City Hall officer who abused power

KUALA LUMPUR: Three DAP lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction over the sentence meted out to former Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) executive director for abusing his power to buy eight condominium units.
Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) said the sentences given to Datuk Seri Syed Afendy Ali Syed Abid Ali was not sufficient and could create a "wrong impression" for other government officials who commit similar offences in the future.
"We have a problem with the judiciary, as they have sentenced him (Afendy) to only 8 months of jail and an RM80,000 fine, from a case that involves the purchase of eight condominium units worth about RM2 million. This (sentence) is not sufficient.
"It also sends a wrong message to the directors of other government agencies that if they commit an offence, they will only get a few months in prison, and after the sentencing, they will get to keep all the property and money. This is very wrong," Lim said during a press conference at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Lim was referring to Afendy's court trial where the sessions court had sentenced him to eight months in prison and RM80,000 fine after he was found guilty on eight counts of abuse of power in the acquisition of eight condominium units, totalling almost RM2 million.
Fung Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang) also shared Lim's sentiment, adding that the court should have meted out a heavier penalty.
"Because this case involves DBKL, the government should have imposed a heavier penalty, because this is a very bad example for people in high positions," Fung said.
Meanwhile, Su Keong Siong (DAP-Ipoh Timur) claimed that the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is not consistent in their actions.
"In this case, there is no action taken by the MACC. The inaction by the anti-graft body has caused the people to lose confidence in them," Su said, adding that MACC must explain the status of the condominium units purchased by Afendy.
The assets, worth RM249,990 each, from Danau Lumayan Sdn Bhd were for four individuals – Minah Abdullah, 75; Mazwan Amin Mohd Noor, 46; Syed Ashraf Ali Syed Afendy Ali; 30, and Rodziah Abd Samad, 56.
The eight condominium units are located at Bandar Sri Permaisuri in Bandar Tun Razak here.