Loke urges for cool heads to prevail over Najib sentence reduction

 

DAP has called for cool heads to prevail over the sentence reduction for former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Its secretary-general Anthony Loke pointed out that the Pardons Board’s decision on the matter is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

“We understand that some Pakatan Harapan supporters are upset over Najib’s sentence reduction.

“But the Pardons Board decision is final and the cabinet is not in any way involved in the decision,” Loke, who is also transport minister, told reporters in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, today.

Yesterday, the Pardons Board announced that it had reduced Najib’s jail time from 12 years to six.

This means Najib would be released from prison on Aug 23, 2028.

In a meeting on Jan 29, the board also slashed the fine slapped on the former prime minister from RM210 million to RM50 million.

‘Please remain calm’

Elaborating, Loke noted that the country’s law gives any convict room to request for pardon for their crimes.

“[In this case] he (Najib) was not pardoned. He remains guilty of his charge, but only the sentence is halved.

“The reason for this (sentence reduction) is only known to the Pardons Board,” Loke added.

He further stressed that Najib still had other court cases ongoing on the 1MDB scandal.

“There are mixed reactions (to the matter). Some are upset Najib was not released, while others are upset his sentence was reduced. I urge everyone to remain calm and keep cool heads.”

Loke said the episode will not impact DAP’s relationship with Umno/BN in the coalition government.

Asked whether it would impact the coalition’s chances in the next general election, Loke said one cannot know what will happen in a few years.

“For now, the (Pardons Board) decision is final and it is not something you can challenge in any court of law,” said Loke.

‘Battle against graft undermined’

Meanwhile, DAP MP Ramkarpal Singh urged the Pardons Board to explain the reasons behind its decision.

“It’s a matter of public interest. Hence, I urge the board to explain its reasons.

“Failure to do so will fuel speculation that the said decision was unjustified,” Ramkarpal (below) said in a statement.

The former law and institutional reform deputy minister reminded the government that Najib was found guilty by nine judges from the High Court to the Federal Court, with one even calling his defence a national embarrassment.

“The government’s efforts in combating corruption have been seriously undermined by the developments in Najib’s case as the seriousness of his offence is known the world over.

“Such developments can result in the perception that the government does not take the menace of corruption seriously.

“As such, there is no doubt that Najib’s case is no ordinary one and the Pardon’s Board ought to disclose its reasons for commuting Najib’s sentence,” Ramkarpal added. - Mkini