DAP must reconsider Cabinet position if Najib is freed — Ben Fong Kok Seng

SEPTEMBER 10 — In recent days, speculations have emerged about the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting to discuss Datuk Seri Najib Razak's clemency petition. Regardless of the reports' validity, the constitutional process and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's powers must be upheld. Yet, respecting the process does not mean disregarding political convictions.

At our recent party convention, DAP delegates granted their leadership the authority to stay in government until the parliamentary term's end, a decision that must be honored. However, this mandate was founded on the circumstances we faced at the time. If Najib is released without receiving a punishment proportional to the seriousness of his convictions, it would fundamentally alter those circumstances.

Consequently, in my perspective, it would be impossible for DAP to remain in the Cabinet. This is a non-negotiable boundary we cannot cross. Najib's conviction in the SRC International case was affirmed by the Federal Court. He was later found guilty by the High Court on 25 additional charges involving 1MDB funds and sentenced to an additional 15 years in prison, though this verdict is currently under appeal.

If Najib is released, it would be challenging for DAP to align with its long-standing dedication to clean government, institutional reform, and accountability. The issue is not the constitutionality of the process, which must be respected, but whether remaining in the Cabinet would compromise the principles upon which the party has persistently stood.

Therefore, I join the stance previously articulated by DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming, who expressed readiness to resign from the Cabinet if Najib were released without serving an appropriate sentence. Leaving the Cabinet does not necessitate toppling the Madani government. DAP can persist in supporting the government from an external position to maintain political stability and advocate for institutional reforms like limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister and separating the roles of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor.

Nevertheless, stability should not become a justification for tolerating everything. Political leaders must acknowledge that certain lines cannot be breached. This statement is offered solely in my individual capacity as a grassroots DAP member and does not represent the official stance of Federal Territories DAP or the party at any level. - Ben Fong Kok Seng is the treasurer of DAP Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur.