An opposition Sabah assemblyman says execution by firing squad—like in China—could be the ultimate deterrent to corruption.

Jamil Hamzah (Bugaya–Warisan) made the remark during Tuesday’s debate on the Head of State’s policy speech, citing MACC Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki’s description of Sabah and Sarawak as “goldmine states” for corruption.

“One of the ways is to look at countries that have successfully dealt with corruption. In China, they shoot people who are corrupt,” Jamil said, responding to an interjection by Tungku assemblyman Assafal Alian, who had asked what action should be taken against corruptors.

Jamil said Sabah is top in corruption and that reflects a shameful image for the state. 

However, he admitted such punishment may be incompatible with international laws and beyond the jurisdiction of the Sabah government. 

But insisted Malaysia needs to consider bold, even shocking deterrents to clean up the system. 

“Everyone is afraid to die. If people knew they could be executed for taking bribes, it would deter them,” he said. 

Quoting Quranic verses and hadiths, Jamil argued that corruption wasn’t just a criminal offence — it was a moral and spiritual rot that starts from within.

“The Prophet said there’s a piece of flesh in the body that, if it is good, the whole body is good. If it’s corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. That piece is the heart,” he said.

“To fix society, we have to fix the heart.” – April 15, 2025