Aliran Slams Najib S Dnaa Urges Reforms To Restore Public Trust

---

Aliran has expressed dismay over the High Court’s decision to grant former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in the SRC International Sdn Bhd money-laundering case.
In a statement, the civil society group said the move highlighted serious concerns over the professionalism and competence of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), especially after the court noted multiple delays spanning six years.
“This does not reflect well on the professionalism and competence of the AGC in recent years,” said the group, referring to High Court Judge K Muniandy’s remarks that the prosecution had taken too long and often postponed the case.
Aliran questioned the rationale given for the delays – that key documents were being used in another trial – arguing such an issue should have been anticipated before charges were filed.
“The reason provided left many speechless. Look at the public reaction and widespread incredulity. There is growing unease over the long list of failed prosecutions, with many prominent politicians granted DNAAs,” it said.
A DNAA means the accused is discharged from the charges without being acquitted, allowing the prosecution to reinstate the case at a later date.
The AGC on Friday said it “had no other choice” but to await the conclusion of Najib’s 1MDB and first SRC International trials before proceeding with the second SRC International case, due to overlapping documents.
‘PMs bear responsibility’
Aliran, however, also placed the blame on both current and previous prime ministers, pointing to their role in advising the appointment of the attorney-general.
“Because the AG is appointed based on the PM’s advice, the current and recent PMs cannot escape ultimate responsibility for the performance of AGs under their watch,” the group said.
Attorney-General Dusuki MokhtarTo restore public trust, it echoed calls, made recently by CSO Platform for Reform and Projek Sama, for the government to expedite promised reforms, particularly the long-delayed separation of the roles of attorney-general and public prosecutor.
Aliran also called for the formation of a bipartisan parliamentary select committee to vet key appointments such as the AG and public prosecutor.
ADSMinister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, said last month that a decision on separating the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor may be reached before the 16th general election, which is due by February 2028.
‘Time to amend JAC Act’
Meanwhile, Aliran further urged amendments to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, especially with several top judges due for retirement.
“Who decides who is to be given extensions and who will not?” it asked, while calling for a more diverse and inclusive JAC.
“With Anwar’s government holding a two-thirds majority, there is no reason to delay the amendments. Nor should other moves to strengthen judicial independence be held back,” it added.
The group noted that even opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional has expressed support for judicial reforms, including amending Article 121 of the Federal Constitution to restore judicial powers to the courts.
“With such bipartisan support, there is no reason not to move quickly. The responsibility for the slow pace of key reforms falls on the PM, as head of government,” said Aliran, warning that public patience was “wearing thin”.
In the interim, it urged the AGC to refile charges against high-profile politicians who were granted DNAAs on technical grounds. - Mkini

---