Najib Verdict Not The End Of Fight Against Kleptocracy Says Bersih

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Bersih has cautioned that the guilty verdict against former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak on 25 1MDB-linked charges should not mark the end of the fight against kleptocracy and corruption.
In a statement yesterday, the Bersih steering committee said the High Court decision, as well as an earlier guilty verdict in the SRC case, will mean little if the government fails to act to prevent the emergence of new kleptocrats.
“Appointment powers, particularly judicial appointments, and the appointment of the MACC chief commissioner and the Election Commission must be reformed urgently so that these institutions are truly independent from the grip of executive power, especially the prime minister.
“Likewise, the separation of the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor must be implemented immediately to prevent the abuse of prosecutorial powers for political persecution against the government’s opponents,” Bersih said.
Citing the verdict by judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah, Bersih also reiterated its call for the government not to renew the contract of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki for a third time, and for him to resign.
Specifically, Bersih cited Sequerah’s ruling that the RM2.6 billion that entered Najib’s account was not a donation, contrary to Azam’s assertion in 2015 when he was the MACC’s director of investigations.
“These agencies must be free to courageously bring anyone before the courts, especially those entrusted with the reins of power but who choose to loot, steal, and abuse authority for personal or partisan gain rather than protect the people,” Bersih stressed.
Yesterday, Sequerah found Najib guilty on all four counts of abuse of power and 21 money laundering charges after the defence failed to raise a reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case.
The judge sentenced the former prime minister to 15 years’ imprisonment and a RM11.38 billion fine. If Najib fails to pay the fine, he will have to serve another 10 years in jail in default.
Misleading actions
Separately, the youth-led movement Liga Rakyat Demokratik (LRD) also echoed the call for Azam’s resignation, similarly citing Sequerah’s verdict that dismissed official statements from the MACC.
“Previously, the MACC sought to assure the public that it had met the individual alleged to have donated RM2.6 billion into the former prime minister’s account.
“The narrative constructed at the time was that the money was a legitimate and unproblematic donation, giving the impression that the issue had been resolved,” said LRD president Hamdin Nordin.
“The court (however) ruled that the donation letter relied upon to support that narrative was invalid.
“This decision directly dismantles the long-defended account and raises serious questions about the integrity and professionalism of the MACC’s top leadership,” Hamdin said.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiHe stressed that although investigation and prosecution are two distinct processes, Azam should not “pre-empt the court” by constructing a narrative that ultimately fails to stand up in judicial proceedings.
“Such actions not only mislead the public but also damage public trust in an institution that is supposed to be the foremost force against corruption,” he added.
Restoring rule of law
Former Bersih secretariat manager Mandeep Singh recalled the movement’s success in mobilising Malaysians to protest against the 1MDB scandal through Bersih 4 and Bersih 5 in 2015 and 2016, ahead of the 2018 general election that saw BN’s first defeat in six decades.
“Thank you for showing up not just on the streets, but at the ballot box on May 9, 2018, to reclaim our democracy, restore the rule of law, strengthen broken institutions, and begin the long process of reform.
“This struggle was never easy. It demanded courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Many paid a heavy price long before change finally came.
“This was not a gift from politicians. This change did not come from the powerful. It came from ordinary Malaysians who refused to stay silent,” Mandeep added, noting that Bersih 4 - a 34-hour protest involving some 500,000 people - was mobilised in direct response to the 1MDB scandal,” he said
Mandeep stressed that the conviction of Najib is not about revenge or politics, but about justice, accountability, and the rule of law finally taking precedence over power and impunity.
Yesterday, Najib’s lead defence counsel, Shafee Abdullah, said the former Umno president will file an appeal on Monday against his convictions. - Mkini

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