Home Media statements Najib’s sentence cut: Social media, messaging app reactions reflect widespread concern

Najib’s sentence cut: Social media, messaging app reactions reflect widespread concern

Convict Najib - THE STAR

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Aliran is appalled and deeply disappointed by the Pardons Board’s decision to recommend a halving of corruption convict Najib Razak’s prison term from 12 years to six years and a reduction of his fine from RM210m to RM50m.

Judging by the reaction across social media and messaging platforms, this concern is shared by many others in Malaysia and overseas.

We urge the Pardons Board to make public the grounds for its decisions and the factors that influenced its leniency towards Najib.

We note that Najib has never publicly expressed regret or remorse for his wrongdoing.

In a review of his Federal Court’s conviction, another panel of the Federal Court noted that the earlier panel had considered 94 grounds of appeal, written submissions and previous lower court decisions which had heard Najib’s case.

They concluded, by a 4-1 majority, that there was no merit for a review of the previous courts’ decision to convict and sentence Najib.

“The applicant contends that his right has been breached,” the Federal Court judges said. “However, here, it is clear that the applicant is the author of his own misfortune. We do not see any reason to review any decision of the earlier panel of the Federal Court.”

Given this, the public reaction and the international scrutiny this case has received, the Pardons Board needs to make public the grounds for its recommendations for Najib’s sentence to be commuted.

We are also concerned about the implications of this decision on the government’s anti-corruption drive, especially its investigations against other high-profile figures and their family members.

READ MORE:  PM has no business, no authority to accept Najib's apology - Latheefa

Many are also wondering what message this decision sends to others – judges presiding in future cases involving high-profile figures, would-be white-collar criminals, prisoners serving sentences for corruption and theft, and investors deciding whether Malaysia is a secure place to do business.

What does it mean when a person who has caused the country so much harm comes away with a reduced sentence? What does this mean to other prisoners who have committed lesser crimes but have to endure their full sentences?

Indeed, the entire system of administration of justice is now under the spotlight.

Aliran executive committee
3 February 2024

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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Hafiz
Hafiz
14 Mar 2024 1.58pm

I am so sick of hearing about this clown.

pat Adam
pat Adam
3 Feb 2024 10.50pm

Najib seems well taken care …has put on weight. What is the message the pardon board is sending out , i wonder. IS is that is okay for a PM to cheat the nation and get a discounted prison term ? l

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