Further clemency for Najib risks eroding public trust, says activist

An activist has warned that granting further clemency to former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak could undermine public trust in the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) and create the perception that powerful individuals are exempt from facing the full consequences of their actions. Najib, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, was convicted six years ago for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International funds, fined RM210 million, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

His prison term, which began in August 2022, was recently halved to six years and the fine reduced to RM50 million by the FTPB. However, the board is set to consider Najib's latest clemency application on Friday. Thomas Fann, a founding member of Projek SAMA, argues that the FTPB should not grant a pardon or another sentence reduction for Najib, as he remains involved in pending 1MDB and SRC-related criminal and civil proceedings, as well as bankruptcy proceedings linked to a RM1.69 billion tax debt.

Fann stresses that the board should not consider further clemency for Najib until he has served more jail time if convicted, as this would set a dangerous precedent that politicians can get away with corruption if they align themselves with the right party. Moreover, Fann urges the FTPB to provide full disclosure of its decision-making process regarding clemency, as a lack of transparency could erode the board's credibility.

Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram agrees that clemency is a legitimate constitutional power, but warns that another reduction in Najib's sentence could raise serious questions about the rule of law and the perception of a two-tier system, ultimately weakening public confidence in Malaysia's fight against corruption.