Ordinary Malaysians have expressed shock over the Pardons Board’s decision to halve the jail sentence of former prime minister Najib Razak, with some saying justice in the country has been eroded.
The Pardons Board, at a meeting on Jan 29 chaired by the previous King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, decided to halve Najib’s 12-year prison sentence to six years and reduce the original fine of RM210 million (S$59.5 million) to RM50 million. It announced the decision on Feb 2.
Najib has so far served 17 months in prison after being convicted of graft linked to RM42 million belonging to SRC International, a former subsidiary of troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Malaysians The Straits Times spoke to said they felt betrayed by the board’s decision, and that it sets a bad precedent for the nation. Some declined to give their full names owing to the sensitivity of speaking out against the decision.
“We voted for Najib and trusted him, but our money was stolen for his family’s enjoyment,” a 43-year-old secretary, who gave her name only as Ms Hamimah, told ST.
“With this new decision, leaders of this country will have no fear again over doing corrupt deals. A bad decision and a bad example for Malaysia.”
Another person, who gave her name as Ms Wilson, said Najib should complete his full prison sentence, saying the board’s decision has made a mockery of Malaysia’s judiciary.
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