Patriot is gravely concerned about the escalating concerns registered by many organisations, NGOs and individuals, including noted personalities, as well as local and foreign media, over the recent development involving convicted criminal Najib Razak.
The social media outpouring, the news reports and statements coming from within and outside government corridors cannot be sidestepped.
The Pardon Board decision to grant the jailed former prime minister a 50% ‘discount’ on time behind bars plus a 76% discount on fines imposed by the court is not being readily accepted by all segments of society.
Despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly clarifying he had no hand in the Pardons Board decision, despite a minister stating that the outcome was a “collective decision”, despite the prime minister appealing and warning not to question the decision of the board, despite legal eagles attempting educate people about the validity of the pardons process and the legality of the action taken – the refusal by segments of publics to welcome the grace showered on Najib is a serious concern that demands quick resolve in the best interest of peace and unity.
Hence, Patriot feels deeply betrayed by what it sees as a controversial issue which cannot be threatened and quietened by issuing orders or preaching from the top.
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To date, the attempts taken to defend the Pardons Board decision has only added to the confusion that can undermine peace and unity in the country.
Patriot will not mince or sugarcoat its opinion in the wake of this serious concern that is brewing and threatening to snowball into a national problem.
Any attempt to not redress or that is ill-timed in remedying the unhappiness will only further confuse the public and lower their belief in the seriousness of the government’s fight against corruption and in the efforts to champion equality and fairness for all the people.
Patriot warns that it is disheartening to note that although we have clearly defined laws and well-placed procedures, we have, however, strayed from this clear and straight path for reasons that may only be known to some quarters for now.
Patriot therefore calls on the government to address the growing, strong voices and protests by almost every sector of the public.
The leaders and decision-makers cannot bury their heads in the sand or pass the buck as the peace and unity in the country can eventually be pawned eventually, if no remedies are provided to quell and appease the loud, clear and spreading unhappiness and the many legitimate calls for enlightenment about the controversy.
Patriot too demands a straightforward statement from the Pardons Board to explain the reasons for the controversial decision.
Lt Col Dato’ Zarazilah Mohd Ali is president of the National Patriots Association (Patriot)
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Bring this matter in an audience with the King and his Deputy.
This is a political decision and also Agong’s decision to do it …