SHAH ALAM - Former Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has delivered a surprising critique of Pakatan Harapan (PH) on social media following the recent Pardon Board's decision to reduce the sentence and fine for ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
In an unexpected turn, Ambiga, who had been a staunch supporter of PH during the reformation era, labelled them as the "zeroes" in this saga, accusing them of undermining justice and the hard work of honest Malaysians.
In a post on X, Ambiga commended the judiciary and the prosecution team as the true heroes in the situation.
"The heroes in this sorry saga are the judiciary, who acted without fear or favor despite countless attacks, and the prosecution team.
"Both did their jobs and served the nation well," she said.
Ambiga suggested PH to remain silent, stating that they cannot defend the indefensible.
"The 'zeroes' Pakatan Harapan, who have undermined the Admin of Justice and the work of good honest Malaysians.
"And @pakatanharapan_ please lah. Don't issue any more statements. Just keep silent. You cannot defend the indefensible," she added.
Ambiga also called on PH to stop talking about their fight against corruption, asserting that they had wasted the time, energy, and goodwill of the people.
"Also one more favor, don't ever talk about your fight against corruption again.
"You have wasted our time, energy, and goodwill," she added.
Meanwhile, in an immediate reaction, Pas information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari slammed Ambiga, suggesting that the lawyer should refrain from preventing others from making statements on the Pardon Board's decision.
Fadhli argued that Ambiga's directive stemmed from her inability to defend what should rightfully be defended.
"I think you should keep quiet too. You only oppose minimally to appear to have a voice until you and your friends also support PH.
"The proof is that you and your friends will not protest on the streets as you organised the Bersih rally before.
"Isn't that right, Datuk Ambiga?" Fadhli said.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court originally sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison over the RM42 million SRC International corruption case.
He was also fined RM210 million.
His conviction and punishments were subsequently upheld in the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
The Pardons Board commuted his sentence when it met last Monday.
While the reduced sentence places his release date in August 2028, Najib could be released earlier on "good behaviour” in August 2026 after serving two-thirds of his sentence.
The decision has faced criticism from various quarters, including government backbencher Ramkarpal Singh and civil society.
However, unity government leaders have called on all parties to respect the board's decision.