Puchong MP Gobind Deo Singh has called on attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail to review the sentencing of national bowler Noor Afizal Azizan’s statutory rape case after the Court of Appeal decided not to mete out any jail term for the crime.

“There is the argument that the sentence has failed to sent out a correct signal to would-be perpetrators of offences of such a nature, thereby losing its deterrent effect,” he said in a statement today.

NONE The Court of Appeal had on Aug 8 overturned the Malacca High Court’s five-year jail term imposed on Noor Afizal ( left ), restoring the initial sentencing by the Session Court which imposed a RM25,000 bond on him for good behaviour for five years.

Noor Afizal was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl at a hotel in Ayer Keroh, Malacca between 12.30am and 5am on June 5, 2009. The 21-year-old bowler was then aged 18.

Gobind said the sentencing had invoked much criticism particular on the remarks by the Court of Appeal that a jail term would have a negative impact on the “bright future” of Noor Afizal.

“These criticisms are not without merit. The decision must therefore be reviewed by preferably a full bench of the Court of Appeal to determine its correctness, regularity and legality.

“The court must then give full reasons which must be made available to the public for either affirming or setting aside the said decision,” he said.

Gobind added that he would raise this matter at the next parliamentary sitting.