'It's okay to bend laws slightly, Dr M tells politicians sarcastically
06 Apr 2022 01:00pm
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad touches on the country's rule of law
However, he said a person may be sued if the names of wrongdoers were mentioned.
“No money to pay a lawyer. That's your problem. Can't pay a lawyer, you will send in (prison).
"That's the law. The rule of law is the main law (of the country) but its okay to bend the laws slightly,” said Dr Mahathir said in a statement.
He has been criticising Datuk Seri Najib Razak over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) court case. In 2020, Najib was sentenced to 12 years jail, RM210 million fine after he was found guilty of all seven charges related to the misappropriation of RM42 million of SRC International funds.
However, Najib has been gaining popularity since late 2019 among the masses through his Facebook postings with slogans of "Bossku" being used during his visits nationwide.
Najib gained popularity for speaking up on economic issues post-Covid-19 while Pakatan Harapan coalition were still reeling from the sudden collapse of the government in Feb 2020.
Dr Mahathir in his statement further said there is a perception that saying Najib's name makes him popular.
"Let's forget Najib's name. (Let's) forget he stole the money. Let's forget he was found wrong. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 mil," he further said.
Mahathir added "a prime minister can steal billions of ringgit. But do not name mention the name as he will become even more popular, and become the prime minister and steal more money."
But he said if the name of the wrongdoer is not stated then "whose name should we mention".
