Hanipa warns clemency for Najib would send rule of law to its grave, deal global blow

 

Former deputy law minister Hanipa Maidin has painted a grim picture should Najib Abdul Razak succeed in his fresh application to the Pardons Board, warning that the consequences could extend far beyond the former prime minister’s personal freedom.

“It would mean one thing for certain - the absolute death of the rule of law,” he told Malaysiakini.

Hanipa warned that such a move could erode public confidence in the principle of equality before the law, while raising the spectre of a return to past political norms when the powerful were perceived as operating by a different set of rules.

“Such a transition raises serious questions globally regarding the country's legal integrity.

“Upholding the rule of law strictly and transparently remains vital for Malaysia's international standing,” he cautioned.

Despite claims by Najib’s supporters that the former premier was not accorded a fair hearing, Hanipa begged to differ.

“Let’s be clear - Najib is a confirmed criminal. Despite the blind defence from his Umno supporters, his conviction was cemented by a court of law based on solid evidence,” he stressed.

Hanipa said Malaysians should not forget that the 1MDB scandal did more than tarnish the country’s international reputation, arguing that its fallout brought the nation perilously close to financial ruin and left a deep stain on Malaysia’s credibility on the world stage.

“Malaysians are still suffering the economic fallout of his crimes,” he added.

The possibility of Najib’s application being considered has also triggered a war of words between Pakatan Harapan and Umno, laying bare further fissures within the Madani government.

The latest spat followed a statement by Harapan’s presidential council which, without naming anyone, said individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences handed down by the courts.

Pardons Board meets tomorrow

Earlier today, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the Pardons Board will meet tomorrow, but stopped short of saying whether an application by Najib would be on its agenda.

Yeoh said she was among those summoned to attend the 8.30am meeting.

“We have been called, and that is all I can give you for now,” she said when asked to confirm whether the meeting would take place tomorrow.

Najib began serving a 12-year prison term in 2022 after being convicted in the SRC International corruption case. In 2024, the Pardons Board halved his sentence and reduced the RM210 million fine to RM50 million.

In December last year, Najib was convicted of corruption for a second time and sentenced to 15 years in jail over the 1MDB case, together with an RM11.38 billion fine, which he will serve after completing his SRC sentence. - Mkini