Najib's pardon tests "friendship" of Unity Government - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - The decision by the Pardons Board to reduce the prison sentence and fine against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has stirred considerable discussion on social media.

Najib, who has been serving a prison sentence since August 23, 2022, after being convicted of embezzling RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, is now expected to be released early on August 23, 2028.

The fine has also been reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.

While some supporters of the 70-year-old former Umno president have welcomed the decision, it has faced criticism from various quarters, including former political leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the public.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for criticism of the decision to cease, asserting that it was made in accordance with the law and the courtesy extended by the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong. However, concerns about 'double standards' persist, with former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz stating that such perceptions breed dissatisfaction among the public.

Rafidah stressed the need for impartiality and justice in public administration, whether it pertains to social and economic policies or law.

Kedah Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Political Science lecturer Firdaus Ramli echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the perception of double standards persists, exacerbated by government warnings against criticism of Najib's pardon.

"The prohibition and warning that condemnation and criticism related to the Pardon Board's decision must stop met with cynicism by some community members including political leaders.

"The government under the Communications Ministry should take the role of calming the atmosphere and explaining to the public how the process of Najib's pardon application and decision was implemented, including the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in this matter," he told Sinar recently.

He warned that failure to address these concerns could undermine the government's credibility in combating corruption and ensuring justice for all citizens.

"At this point, the main leaders of the political parties in Madani's government are seen to avoid commenting publicly on this issue.

"This action can be understood as one of the efforts to avoid the occurrence of division among members of the Madani government," he added.

He said if the main leadership of the Unity Government continues to take a wait-and-see attitude and remain silent, the seeds of division are expected to exist and be able to spread to the grassroots level which will further affect efforts to form cooperation between parties in the run-up to the General Election (GE16).

Balancing Friendship and Justice

Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Political Science Senior Lecturer Dr Jamaie Hamil acknowledged the need for the government to handle Najib's pardon issue judiciously to prevent prolonged controversy.

"In this context, the issue of pardoning Najib, even if it is not a full pardon, can be considered big, and of course, there is pressure felt by the Prime Minister and also the component parties of the existing government.

"We see that many dissatisfied voices come from Umno and pro-Najib supporters who, to this day, are still working towards Najib's release.

"Ironically, other parties in the government do not see any effort to defend the decision of the Pardon Board," he said.

He added that Najib's case will also test how the integrity of the friendship between the parties forming the Unity Government can be maintained ahead of GE16.

At this time, Jamaie saw a small glimpse of the friendship wavering because Umno may feel that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not serious about helping to free Najib.

"Meanwhile, PH may look at it from the perspective of the law and the principle of justice.

"Najib has not even served two years of his prison sentence and if he is released just like that, it may cause even more controversy among the people.

"In principle, a person can be given the priority of pardon if he has passed one third of the total amount of punishment imposed," he added.

Despite the huge implications of Najib's polemic, Jamaie hoped the Unity Government could put aside the perception that whoever holds power means they can manipulate the law at will.