The federal government has been urged to formulate legislations and policies to tackle drunk driving without relying on just fines or jail time alone.
Kelantan DAP head Zaid Ibrahim (above), who is also a former law minister, proposed that the federal government emulate policies in countries such as Australia and the UK.
"Action that needs to be taken must take into consideration many factors. If the fines are high, it's not going to work. We have a death penalty, but murders still take place.
"Drunk driving is a serious matter. But we may not have to impose an RM100,000 fine. If the offender can't pay, he would be sent to jail and the family will suffer," the former law minister told reporters in Kota Bharu today.
The federal government is currently mulling increasing the maximum penalty for drunk driving to RM100,000 up from the current RM20,000 alongside a longer jail term.
This followed a public outcry over a number of drunk driving cases which has resulted in fatalities of late.
According to Zaid, drunk driving cases which cause death should not fall under the same law.
"This is a different category. Hence I believe the penalty should be proportional to the situation and need," stressed the former senior lawyer. - Mkini
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ReplyDeleteDo not compare Malaysian drivers sikap with drivers in the UK and Australia. Driving etiquette of mat salleh drivers are light years ahead. Even when sober our drivers drive like drunkerds, what more when they are intoxicated.
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