Anwar Why Obsess Over Prisoner Najib Move On

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has questioned an apparent “obsession” held over the 1MDB scandal and former premier Najib Abdul Razak, who is in prison, while there are still many other corruption-related cases amounting to billions lost.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera’s “101 East”, Anwar stressed that he remains a strong proponent against the 1MDB scandal and insisted that there are many other leaders who steal billions.
“1MDB, one major case is ongoing. It’s ongoing. But these people who have been obsessed with only Najib and 1MDB, I do not share (their sentiment).
“If you listen to them, the only problem in Malaysia is Najib and 1MDB scandal,” said Anwar.
“I am telling you, yes (Najib), part of the scandal. It was not just Najib as prime minister, there were other prime ministers before him, other finance ministers before him, after him, go after them!
“Why protect some? Why having this obsession?” said Anwar, at which point the episode’s host, journalist Mary Ann Jolley, interjected that the 1MDB scandal is one of the biggest known cases of kleptocracy.
However, the finance minister quickly added: “From what you know Mary. Now I happen to be the prime minister, and I know a bit more. And yes, I’m saying 1MDB is a big major financial scandal, but there are many other billions stolen that must be resolved.”
Najib’s pardon bid
In the 25-minute episode, Anwar again defended his decision to forward Najib’s pardon application to the Federal Territories Pardons Board, stressing that he would have faced criticism either way.
Regardless of public opinion, Anwar said he was simply upholding the constitutional rights of convicts.
“You are damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Finally, you do the right thing,” he said.
“I was imprisoned for many years, first by Mahathir and then by Najib. But I said, look, we should go beyond that. I don’t harbour that sort of bitterness because I think it’s a disease.
ADS“The issue is, forgive me, why is this obsession with this man who is in prison? For God’s sake! He is in prison! And those who are plundering with their billions are still free.
“Why the obsession about Najib when you have many other cases too? Have we stopped prosecution? No. Has the case stopped? No. Is the case ongoing? Yes. Okay, move on. What about the rest?” said Anwar.
In August 2022, the Federal Court upheld Najib’s one count of abuse of power, three counts of criminal breach of trust, and three money laundering charges.
The court then sentenced the former Pekan MP to 12 years’ jail time and slapped a RM210 fine on him.
However, in February last year, the Pardons Board slashed the jail time to six years and reduced the fine to RM50 million.
‘Blatant, nasty trick’
Towards the end of the interview, Anwar took aim at his critics, especially those he described as “so-called progressive” voices obsessed with Najib’s case.
“The due process continues, but the issue is why this obsession with this man who is in prison?
“I think it’s a blatant, nasty trick by some of these crooks who continue to highlight Najib over and over again so that their case is ignored,” he said.
Looking forward, Anwar said his administration should instead be allowed to focus on restoring good governance, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring judicial independence.
“Let (the unity government) run this country and restore proper governance, rule of law, judicial independence; let us run this country and not be bogged down by one obsession,” he concluded. - Mkini

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