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Dodgy apology: Najib’s words ring hollow after six years of denial

Malaysia's former PM finally apologises, but critics say it's too little, too late

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By M Santhananaban

After a staggering six-year saga of proclaiming impeccable innocence and claiming politically motivated prosecution, former Prime Minister Najib Razak has finally offered a sordid apology.

It should be welcomed at best as an initial initiative, in certain quarters at least.

But it is, in effect, a hot-air balloon.

In reality, Najib’s recalcitrant response to the charges levelled against him and the conduct of his defence, inside and outside court, turned his straightforward case into a do-or-die battle. This became a challenge not just for the individuals handling the case but the institutions they represented.

His supporters organised hyped-up “Bossku” (calling Najib their boss) gatherings to obtain public sympathy.

After Najib had gone to such extreme lengths to frustrate and extinguish the impassive fervour of the prosecution, it is only fair he provides a more convincing apology.

Najib tried to turn his SRC International trial into a trial of the nation’s legal system itself. Why did he attempt to get a King’s Counsel to represent himself? Was it to suggest a lack of capable lawyers within the country? But there was nothing extraordinary in the proceedings of the SRC case itself.

The judges gave Najib a full and fair hearing through three levels of the court hierarchy. The charges of abuse of power, breach of trust, and corruption were spelt out explicitly to enable the preparation of a plausible defence.

Yet Najib’s defence failed.

So, an apology – a dodgy one at that – seems inappropriate, unsatisfactory and too late.

Najib should consult a team of trusted experts to draft an unreserved apology, with a full admission of guilt and culpability.

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He should offer some restitution and settle his fines and taxes in full.

He should also pledge he will persuade his associates in the heist to return to Malaysia and come clean with the truth of what really transpired.

A sworn commitment to retire from politics would be another highly recommended option.

Only then would a genuine apology be in order.

Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.

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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Lee Cheng san
Lee Cheng san
28 Oct 2024 9.30pm

If he is remotely remorseful at all, he should assist in reeling in Jho Low. The least he could do. But quilty all the same

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