The Pardons Board’s decision to reduce former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s sentence but not granting a pardon is reasonable and prudent, said Hassan Karim, a member of the government’s Special Committee on Corruption.
He noted that the board’s decision only reduces Najib’s sentence and does not exonerate him of his crimes.
The Pasir Gudang MP from PKR said the board should not grant pardons to those found guilty in a court of law.
“The issue of reducing the jail term and the quantum of the fine can be debated if anyone wants to question it, but the core issue is that the Pardons Board still respects the decisions of the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court which found - after a full trial, appeal, and review - that Najib is guilty on the scales of justice and the conviction is not given a pardon,” Hassan (above) said in a statement today.
Earlier today, the Pardons Board announced that Najib’s 12-year jail sentence over the RM42 million SRC International corruption and abuse of power case has been reduced to six years, meaning he could be released on Aug 23, 2028.
His fine has also been reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million. However, if he fails to pay the fine, his jail sentence will be extended by one year to Aug 23, 2029.
Najib is still on trial for other charges, including four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.27 billion from 1MDB.
The decision to reduce the jail term and fine was made during a Pardons Board meeting on Jan 29 and is said to be Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s last official business before leaving office as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Hassan said that as a member of the Special Committee on Corruption, which is one of five committees overseeing the MACC, he believes the Pardons Board decision would not deter the commission’s and the government’s resolve to fight corruption.
Instead, he said maintaining Najib’s conviction sends a clear signal to the courts to continue defending its independence without fear or favour.
“One issue that should be kept in mind is that the Pardons Board chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a court of mercy, not a court of law,” he added. - Mkini
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