Board’s decision won’t weaken govt’s resolve to fight corruption, says PKR man

 

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said the Federal Territories Pardons Board’s decision not to set aside Najib Razak’s conviction shows it respects the verdict of the courts.

PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territories Pardons Board’s decision to reduce former prime minister Najib Razak’s prison sentence and fine will not weaken the resolve of the government to combat corruption, a PKR MP said.

“As a member of the government’s special committee on corruption, I am of the view that the board’s decision will maintain the resolve of Anwar Ibrahim’s government and MACC to curb corruption in the country,” Hassan Karim said in a Facebook post.

The Pasir Gudang MP also said it was significant that Najib’s conviction was not set aside altogether.

“The reduction of jail time and fine may be debatable, but the core matter is that the board respects the findings of guilt made by the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.

“The decision of the board does not exonerate Najib. His conviction stands,” he said.

Hassan also said the board’s decision could not be challenged in court, regardless of whether one agrees with it or not.

Earlier today, the Federal Territories Pardons Board said Najib’s prison sentence has been reduced from 12 years to six and that he will be released on Aug 23, 2028.

The former Pekan MP’s fine has also been reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million. However, a year will be added to the sentence if he fails to pay the fine.

Former DAP MP Tony Pua took a couple of swipes at the decision to reduce Najib’s sentence.

“Can someone send me to jail for one year and in exchange pay me RM50 million? Pretty please,” he wrote on Facebook.

This was followed by a separate post saying: “I beg your pardon”. - FMT