Najib Verdict Disappointed For All The Wrong Reasons

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They are not disappointed that there are thousands of unemployed graduates who have not acquired the necessary skills to compete in the job market. Neither are they disappointed that some local graduates are working as garbage collectors across the Causeway.
They are not disappointed that the value of the ringgit has declined. Neither are they disappointed with the increase in the cost of imports, especially food.
They are not disappointed that the price of local produce has gone up. Neither are they disappointed that basic necessities are beyond the reach of some sections of the population.
They are not disappointed that little has been done to prevent the exploitation of the workers. Neither are they disappointed that locally-manufactured goods have been banned in several countries and Malaysia is on the forced labour watchlist.
They are not disappointed that the spread of Covid-19 has yet to be contained. Neither are they disappointed when large crowds defy safety requirements right under their noses.
They are not disappointed that the religious zealots are imposing their values on others. Neither are they disappointed when doing business it is becoming costly and more difficult by the day.
They are not disappointed that Malaysia’s ranking has dropped in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. Neither are they are disappointed that the problem continues unabated.
They are not disappointed that the government expenditure should be one based on needs and not on race. Neither are they disappointed that they have failed to address the anomalies despite public outcry.
They are not disappointed that there are far too many custodial deaths. Neither are they disappointed about public opinion and perception that the custodians of the law have put foxes to look after the chicken coop.
'Charges politically motivated'
However, they are disappointed that a court of law, having weighed the evidence, found one of their leaders guilty of corrupt practices.
But are they are not disappointed that billions were siphoned off by a state-owned company and that we, the taxpayers, have to pick up the tab for their follies.
Let us not forget that more than RM34 billion has yet to be recovered and that there are ongoing legal processes to collect as much as possible because getting all the stolen loot may be impossible.
When it comes to the wellbeing of the country and its citizens, they seem to care little, but when it comes it certain individuals, especially those in their inner circle, it becomes an issue.
They are disappointed over the decision of the Court of Appeal to uphold their former party president Najib Razak’s corruption conviction and claim “many Malaysians believed the charges were politically motivated.”
The “they” being referred to is Umno, which has been the dominant party in the government since independence, save for 22 months when they were voted out in 2018.
Former prime minister Najib Abdul RazakIn a statement Umno secretary-general, Ahmad Maslan said party leaders were now hoping that the Federal Court would be “fair” when hearing Najib’s final appeal.
“The Umno Supreme Council hopes that his appeal at the Federal Court will be a fair one as many believe that some of the charges after GE14 were part of political prosecution against the party,” he added.
Ahmad Maslan’s statement comes despite the Court of Appeal unanimously and unequivocally declaring that the High Court judge had made his decision based on facts on all seven charges.
(A three-member bench chaired by Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil had on Wednesday unanimously dismissed Najib’s appeal to reverse the guilty verdict and sentencing over seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power handed out last year.)
Casting aspersions
What else can be implied except that the High Court and Court of Appeal were “not fair” in coming to the decision and the judges were motivated by politics?
Wouldn’t that be contempt? Wouldn’t that be casting aspersions on the conduct and character of the High Court judge and three Appellate court judges? Isn’t that questioning the integrity of the judges?
We can’t have political parties and their leaders undermining the judicial system by insinuating that their judgments are clouded by politics.
Readers may remember that in March this year, the Federal Court imposed a RM500,000 fine on Malaysiakini after finding the news portal guilty of contempt of court over comments from five readers.
It must be emphasised that those comments were made by readers responding to a news story and that there were no direct or indirect imputations by Malaysiakini.
The question I have to raise: Are politicians and political parties given carte blanche to cast aspersions on the judiciary? Are they subjected to a different set of rules?
Instead of waiting for answers, I would venture to say: What’s good for the goose must be good for the gander. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN believes that the scurrilous attack on the judiciary is uncalled for. Comments: [email protected]

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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