Right wing Malay movement Perkasa has proposed that the corrupt be subjected to mandatory caning and be jailed for life.

Its Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bureau chairperson Jais Abdul Karim said such severe punishment, equivalent to the penalty for drug trafficking, must be imposed to curb corruption in the country.

"Thus, we urge mandatory caning and life imprisonment be imposed as we feel such punishment will commensurate with the offence," he said at a forum on 'People Rising Against Corruption' organised by Perkasa at the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Jais said the government should also introduce a new law, to be called 'Sabotaging the Economy Act', to enable those being investigated for corruption to be detained indefinitely without bail.

He said such a law, similar to the previous Internal Security Act, was now needed for ensuring a thorough investigation process.

"Indefinite detention without bail is needed so that those suspected of corruption will not have a chance to destroy evidence or influence witnesses involved in the cases," Jais said.

He also said Malaysians from all walks of life must be brave and proactive in reporting on corruption to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Such reports could also be channelled through anti-corruption NGOs, which would assist in forwarding the reports to the authorities, Jais said.

About 150 people attended the forum.

- Bernama