Convicted ex-prime minister Najib Razak may have been hogging the news headlines lately over the alleged “royal addendum” which purportedly allowed him to be granted a “house arrest”; however, veteran newsman Kadir Jasin, seems clearly unimpressed.
In fact, the former editor-in-chief of the popular, mainstream newspaper the New Straits Times had expressed shock recently over the growing calls from several quarters for the convicted son of former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak to be given a lighter sentence - or even “freed!”
Was Najib convicted and jailed for merely stealing a tin of Milo… or was it for a criminal offence involving RM42mil of the people’s money?
According to the former Bersatu supreme council member, it wasn't that the disgraced ex-UMNO president had stolen a piece of bread or a tin of Milo and was tried in a “kangaroo court”! He was actually tried and found guilty by no fewer than nine honourable judges from the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court!
In fact, even back in 2020, Kadir had questioned the “special treatment” dished out to the former premier by the authorities despite the latter’s conviction by the High Court earlier over the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
The former Bersatu supreme council member had also pointed out that the RM42 million funds that entered Najib’s account would have sustained 26,250 poor families from the lower income bracket under the government's financial aid scheme!
For the record, Najib had been found guilty of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering charges involving a total of RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds for which he was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million; however, last January the Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by the previous King, had reduced his fine to RM50mil while commuting his jail term to six years.
This inevitably would raise the question: if such generous “concessions” have already been granted to him in spite of the severity of his “crimes” coupled with the fact that he had never publicly expressed remorse, why are there still calls for a lighter sentence - and even a full pardon?
Meanwhile, prominent MIC leader M Saravanan had raised eyebrows when he revealed that his party will hold a “special prayer” as a show of solidarity for the former Barisan Nasional chairman; this was after a mega rally which was initially planned to be held at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya was called off at the eleventh hour by Umno.
In fact, the BN component party had invited “members of the Indian community” to come to the Batu Caves temple and join in the prayers for “justice” for the convicted ex-premier.
However, outspoken former DAP strongman Prof Dr P Ramasamy appeared unconvinced; according to him, MIC’s motives appear less about real justice for Najib and more about “seeking relevance” in a shifting political landscape in the country.
Seeking justice for Najib… or seeking its own political survival?
According to him, after being sidelined by Anwar's government, MIC may now be attempting to position itself within a potential new coalition. (Note: Perhaps, to some observers Umno, Bersatu and PAS may spring to mind!)
Furthermore, the former Penang deputy chief minister II warned that the “solidarity with Najib” narrative may actually be used as a platform to “destabilise” the Madani government and explore a new political alignment, while PAS’ involvement may indicate a broader political move to weaken UMNO’s base.
In conclusion, given that Najib still has pending 1MDB-linked court cases, including several abuse of power and money-laundering charges amounting to millions of ringgit, perhaps, veteran newsman Kadir may have been right to ask: why the “great haste” among some to seek a lighter sentence, and even a full pardon for the convict? Is it solely to seek justice for him… or is it actually to “ride” on him to achieve their respective political goals?
Note: Last Monday (Jan 6), the Court of Appeal had allowed Najib to obtain leave to commence judicial review proceedings to compel the government to execute the former king’s purported “house arrest” decree; with that “victory” more fireworks and drama can be expected in the weeks ahead as the case goes back to the High Court - but wait, there may yet be a sting in the tail!
Main information source: Malaysiakini, Malay Mail, Star, NST, Focus Malaysia, The Edge Malaysia and FMT.
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