Indonesians see 'new Malaysia' as beacon for justice

Democratic reforms in Indonesia took place about two decades earlier than Malaysia after major protests were held to oust the former late president Suharto and his 'New Order' regime.

A group of young politicians from Indonesia, however, believe that their successive governments have since failed to deliver justice as Suharto never stood trial for his alleged wrongdoings throughout his 42 years in power from 1966 to 1998.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Indonesian Solidarity Party chairperson Grace Natalie said that as such said, news of reforms in Malaysia after the 14th general election has caught the interest of many in the republic.

"We are waiting (to see reforms in Malaysia) because in Indonesia we have failed to bring Suharto to court. He was sick for a long time until he eventually passed away," said Grace referring to Suharto's death in January 2008.

She said this when asked for her views on the necessary reforms in a new Malaysia based on experiences faced by Indonesia after its own return to democratic rule.

Grace noted how Malaysia faced a similar challenge to defeat a "corrupt regime" that held power for 60 years.

"It is not easy at all to defeat a very corrupt regime that has been in power for 60 years. Actually, it is very amazing what happened. Because it happened peacefully," she said.

"In Indonesia, there was bloodshed, riots everywhere. So we salute Malaysia," said the former television presenter and journalist whose party aims to gather support for its debut in the Indonesian legislative and presidential elections next year.

Referring to the latest developments in Malaysia, Grace said news of the massive cash and valuables haul linked to former premier Najib Abdul Razak had gone viral among Indonesians.

Justice served?

"The news went viral. In fact, it was so viral that people were questioning whether it was really true or a hoax? Were the photos real or edited to show such a massive haul?" she said.

Malaysian police on May 18 seized 72 bags containing cash and jewellery as well as another 284 boxes containing designer handbags from the upmarket Pavilion Residences in Kuala Lumpur.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Commissioner Amar Singh yesterday revealed that the items seized have an estimated retail value of close to RM1 billion.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini, Najib, however, maintained claims that the seized items were mainly gifts and the valuation of the items, particularly jewellery, were subjective and unrealistic.

Given the difficulties faced by Indonesia in bringing Suharto to court, Grace said they would be waiting to see whether reforms in Malaysia would result in justice being served.

"It is certainly not going to be easy. Something which had been going on for 60 years will have connections at every level, its 'business tentacles' (influence) could reach anywhere.

"Can justice be served and the person responsible be made to face a punishment?" asked Grace whose party was set up in 2014 on an anti-corruption platform as well as for promoting pluralism and human rights.

It was reported in July 2000 that Suharto would be charged for embezzling US$571 million in government donations via one of the foundations under his control and then using the money to finance family investments.

Two months later, the former military general - once ranked by watchdog Transparency International as being the most corrupt leader in the world - was subsequently declared as being unfit to stand for trial due to declining health.

A second attempt to charge Suharto also reportedly failed and a civil court judge in March 2008 - four months before his passing - eventually acquitted him of corruption but ordered his charitable foundation, Supersemar, to pay US$110 million in compensation. -  Mkini