KUALA LUMPUR - MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has defended former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, suggesting that the corruption allegations against him are more complex than they appear.
The Tapah Member of Parliament pointed out that accusations of corruption are often subjective and that sometimes people find themselves "at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Najib is not a small boy. He has been in government as a senior statesman, the youngest Menteri Besar and has held various portfolios such as Sports Minister and Defence Minister," Saravanan told Sinar Daily.
Saravanan also questioned the logic of the RM2.6 billion scandal, asking, "If someone really wanted to steal RM2.6 billion, do you think they would put it into their own personal account?" Instead, he suggested that Najib was likely "misguided" in the events surrounding the infamous scandal.
The MIC leader further alleged that Najib’s missteps were influenced by external factors.
"The whole country knows who misguided him. Why are we in denial? Those in politics know who the real culprits are. None of the politicians would dare deny that they know the truth," Saravanan added.
He acknowledged that while Najib was misled, wrongdoing remains wrongdoing, but stressed that it was time to consider that he should be placed under house arrest.
"Let me be clear: wrong is wrong. Whether it was intentional or accidental, the court has passed judgment, and Najib has served his sentence.
"He’s spent two years in prison, and now, after consideration, he’s under house arrest. Isn’t that enough?," Saravanan asked.
Saravanan also highlighted the need for fairness in how past leaders are judged, referencing the precedents set by the current administration.
"Let’s not forget, those who are ruling now have also received pardons," he stressed.
Saravanan’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over Najib’s legal battles and the implications of his house arrest.
Critics argue that the pardon and subsequent reduced sentence signal a leniency not extended to other high-profile corruption cases.
However, supporters like Saravanan maintain that the former prime minister has paid a significant price, both politically and personally.