By M Santhananaban
An alarming and astounding situation is unfolding in our country.
A procedurally convicted felon, a former prime minister, does not want to serve out his prison sentence in an approved incarceration facility.
He has initiated a court challenge to escape the normal stigma, stringency and subjectivity of a prison sentence.
He seems not to care that his actions are imperiling the image, vital interests and integrity of his country. These assets were painstakingly built over more than six decades by his predecessors, the people and the institution of the constitutional monarchy.
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Najib, the initiator of this court challenge, broke a cardinal rule of public service.
That rule was unwritten, but it was always there. Public servants must abstain at all times from acts that impinge on entrepreneurship norms, and they must not be involved in espionage and exceptional extravagance. Even a healthy suspicion that a public servant is involved in any of these activities will set off alarm bells.
In Najib’s case, he was charged with specific criminal offences. He was tried, his defence was heard and he was convicted. He has already exhausted every conceivable course of appeal.
He should use his prison tenure as a ‘sabbatical’ to reflect on his deeds while in power.
Another prominent politician had a prolonged ‘sabbatical’ and is now the prime minister.
Najib should mull over his political career beyond his prison term.
Meanwhile, he should let the country move on. Like many others, I will then salute him for that.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
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
He is making a mockery of our judicial system and the learned judges>Granting him house arrest is an injustice to the people of malaysia. It will show to the people and the world that justice is lenient to a selected few.
It will definitely hinder the govt effort to bring investors as they will have no confidence of our laws and justice.
Indeed. Shame on Him