M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Najib Razak’s pardon will hurt Malaysia’s future reputation and performance in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). It will likely hamper the government’s efforts in its war against corruption, said MP for Bukit Gelugor Ramkarpal Singh.
He called for Parliament to debate whether or not the former prime minister deserves to be granted a royal pardon.
“The developments in Najib's case have seriously undermined the government's efforts in combating corruption above, as the seriousness of his offence is known worldwide.
“A punishment of 6 years and a RM50 million fine is certainly inadequate given the gravity of Najib’s crime.”
Malaysia has targeted a top-25 position in the CPI in the next 10 years, as announced in the Mid-term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan and achieved some success towards realising that goal when it climbed to 57th spot in the 2023 CPI, an improvement from its 61st position in 2022.
“It should also be noted that 68 of the 111 initiatives to combat corruption outlined in the 2019-2023 National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) have been achieved, and the Prime Minister recently agreed to the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategies (NACS) to continue the efforts of the NACP which ended at the end of 2023,” Ramkarpal added.
Such developments can result in the perception that the government does not take the menace of corruption seriously.
Najib was convicted by 9 judges from the High Court to the Federal Court, with one judge describing his defence as a national embarrassment. The findings of guilt made against him in this case are beyond doubt.
“It is further compounded because Najib conducted the crime as the head of government, disregarding the consequences of his actions to the nation and her people.
“As the matter is one of public interest, I urge the Pardon’s Board to explain their decision. Failure to do so will fuel speculation that the pardon was unjustified,” said Ramkarpal.
The former director of MACC's Special Operations Division (BOK), Bahri Mohammad Zin, said the decision to halve Najib's sentence illustrated the difference in treatment given to the rich and in power compared to the poor.
Bahri said the reduced jail sentence on Najib’s jail sentence and fine showed that the justice system in this country was 'dying'.
Najib’s team have lashed out at political detractors who criticised the lightening of his punishment over a corruption conviction, challenging them to a debate over the matter.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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