Review RM16,000 fine on teacher who molested pupils, say lawyers

Two Malaysian lawyers have called for a review of a RM16,000 fine imposed on a secondary school teacher who pleaded guilty to using criminal force against three schoolgirls, outraging their modesty. SN Nair and V Kokila Vaani argued that while the teacher's guilty plea is a mitigating factor, it cannot diminish the severe nature of the offences committed against vulnerable children.

The lawyers emphasized that the RM16,000 fine is "profoundly troubling and disproportionate" as it fails to reflect the principles of punishment, deterrence, denunciation, and protection of vulnerable children. The teacher, Asyraf Ahmad, was sentenced to the fine due to his position of trust and authority at the school. Nair urged the public prosecutor to reconsider the sentence and, if appropriate, appeal against its inadequacy.

Kokila Vaani pointed out that the sentences imposed appear to be lenient, lacking a deterrent factor, especially considering the teacher-student relationship. She cited a case where a secondary school discipline teacher received a two-year jail term and six canings, highlighting that Malaysian courts have recognized imprisonment and whipping as appropriate penalties in such cases.