Najib S Sentence Cut Social Media Messaging App Reactions Reflect Widespread Concern

---

The news about the reduction in Najib Razak’s sentence has ingnited reactions in social media and messaging apps. Aliran released the following statement this morning:
Aliran is appalled and deeply disappointed by the Pardon’s 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.
Support the struggle to build a Malaysia based on Justice, Freedom, Solidarity:
Sign up for Aliran’s free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948 Make a regular pledge or periodic auto-donation to Aliran Become an Aliran member Tel: 04-658 5251 email: [email protected]
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:The making of Man on the Run
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 and debt – with ordinary people ultimately having to bear the losses – 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

---