President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has hit out at politicians who label Kazakhstan as “Penaltystan”, or “Aiyppulstan” in Kazakh.

The term is used to suggest an excessive reliance on fines and administrative penalties.

Speaking at a meeting on the development of Alatau City near Almaty, Tokayev, as reported by The Times of Central Asia, said: “Some individuals who dislike and hold our country in contempt, and unfortunately there are members of parliament among them, call our legal measures ‘Penaltystan’ or ‘Aiyppulstan.’

“Let them continue to demonstrate the limitations of their judgment. Our people need public order and security. We will not deviate from this path and will continue to pursue the policy of ‘Law and Order’ with determination.”

Tokayev reportedly argued that “in today’s turbulent environment, amid military conflicts around the world, peace and stability are vital for our country. Without them, there can be no reforms or positive changes. Therefore, law enforcement agencies must apply strict measures and penalties for violations.”

The term “Penaltystan” became widely known after it was used by a member of the Mazhilis (Parliament), Azat Peruashev, leader of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, during discussions on amendments to Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offences Code in 2024.

At the time, Peruashev criticised what he viewed as excessive fines imposed on businesses for relatively minor infractions.

“I am ashamed of you, gentlemen officials,” he said during the debate. “You are building some kind of ‘Penaltystan.’ The Ak Zhol faction wants to build a normal and balanced market economy.”

Peruashev later acknowledged that the phrase was poorly chosen and, following Tokayev’s latest remarks, again distanced himself from the expression.