Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had promised reforms and changes for the country, has been urged to give up the pretence of combating corruption.
Despite the rhetoric against corruption, former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy claimed that Anwar seems to condone acts of corruption.
Citing the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s reduced sentence by the Pardons Board, Ramasamy lamented that there is no hope left for the future in the fight against corruption.
“With slightly more than a year in office, Anwar has shown his true colours.
“By saying he (Anwar) was not involved in the court decision to grant a DNAA to Zahid and the reduction of the sentence for Najib, he has sought to downplay his direct involvement in the outcome of the cases.
“These two decisions are more than enough to suggest that some individuals linked to power and influence get preferential treatment while ordinary citizens even for the slightest infringement of the law are subjected to severe punishment,” Ramasamy said.
‘Unprecedented power and influence’
On Friday, the Pardons Board announced that Najib’s jail sentence would be slashed from 12 years to six, meaning the former prime minister would be released as early as Aug 23, 2028.
While concurring that Anwar may not be directly involved in the two aforementioned cases, Ramasamy said the prosecution or the attorney-general (AG) may have consulted the latter on Zahid’s DNAA, and in Najib’s case, the government officials, including the AG, are involved in the Pardons Board.
“The AG (Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh) was his (Anwar) appointee.
“Anwar should not hoodwink the public with his childish acts of wiggling out decisions on corruption cases.
“Anwar, by virtue of being a prime minister, enjoys unprecedented power and influence.
“I doubt decisions in the high-profile cases just mentioned would have been taken without his knowledge,” he said.
He also did not mince his words when he claimed that political expediency to survive had become Anwar’s much sought-after objective after the latter took office.
“Survival means getting the support of the tainted politicians with reciprocal attempts to gloss over major corruption scandals.
“In short, Anwar has the support of the Umno MPs in return for some reciprocal measures to keep the government intact.”
Damage control?
He also said it has become inconsequential whether Anwar’s administration lasts for the full term, pointing out that the damage has been done and how the government is going to undo the damage remains to be seen.
He then advised Anwar to “continue as another mediocre prime minister” and to quit talking about getting rid of corruption or bringing in reforms.
“Can we say that the MACC’s investigations against former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and the sons of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad are just an eye-wash to show the government is serious about whipping out corruption?
“If the ordinary public knows about the true nature of the present government and the character of the leadership, then at least they know who to support in the coming general election.
“Let us not forget, the people do have a choice,” the former DAP man said.
In a related development, he also took a swipe at a party leader for “asking the public to respect the decision of the Pardons Board”.
While he did not mention any names, it was apparent he was referring to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil who yesterday called on all parties to respect the decision of the Pardons Board on Najib and refrain from making comments on the matter.
“What a shame for a political party whose name is synonymous with the fight against corruption.
“Just imagine what power, positions, and perks could do to the gung-ho champions of clean, accountable, and transparent government,” he added. - Mkini
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