Further clemency for Najib risks eroding public trust, says activist
Activists are warning that granting further clemency to former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak could undermine public trust in the judicial system. Najib is currently serving a prison sentence for corruption related to the SRC International scandal.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding political corruption, accountability, and the influence of powerful figures within the Malaysian legal system.
Former prime minister Najib Razak was convicted six years ago of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds.
PETALING JAYA: An activist has cautioned that granting Najib Razak further clemency risks eroding public trust in the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) and reinforcing the perception that powerful and politically connected individuals do not need to face the full consequences of their actions.
Najib, who was prime minister from 2009 to 2018, was convicted six years ago of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds. He was fined RM210 million and handed a 12-year jail term which he has been serving at Kajang prison since August 2022.
The FTPB later halved his prison term to six years and reduced the fine to RM50 million. The board is expected to consider Najib’s latest clemency application on Friday.
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