Arya News - The statement from Pakatan Harapan did not name any individuals, but came amid reports that the Federal Territories Pardons Board is expected to discuss convicted ex-PM Najib Razak’s application for clemency when it meets on Friday, Sept 11.
KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan has maintained its stand that any individual convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentence imposed by the court.
In a statement issued by its secretariat council on Tuesday (Sept 8), it said the coalition remains fully committed to the agenda of fighting corruption, leakages and abuse of power.
“We (Pakatan) fully uphold the decree previously conveyed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that such cases must be investigated thoroughly, without compromise against any party found guilty.
“As a political coalition that has championed institutional reform, good governance and opposition to corruption and abuse of power from the outset, we maintain that any individual convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentence imposed by the court.
“The principle of the rule of law requires ongoing judicial proceedings to be given space to conclude in an orderly and independent manner, without creating any perception that the process has been pre-empted by other considerations,” it said.
It said that this was important for Malaysia, which is in a recovery phase.
“This is aimed at strengthening governance and restoring public confidence in the country’s institutions.
“Therefore, any decision in high-profile cases must take into account public confidence in the country’s commitment to implementing this agenda,” it said.
It noted that several past high-profile corruption cases have significantly affected Malaysia’s name and reputation internationally.
“In recent years, the country has worked hard to rebuild confidence in its institutions, governance and Malaysia’s ability to address corruption and abuse of power.
“This momentum of recovery must continue to be preserved,” it said.
The coalition said it was built on the support of Malaysians from various races, religions and backgrounds who placed great hope in the Reformasi agenda and the establishment of a clean, integrity-driven and accountable nation.
“This trust requires us to remain consistent in expressing our position based on principles, even when facing challenging situations and pressure from various quarters.
“We are committed to upholding the Federal Constitution and respecting the institutions of the country, while remaining steadfast in defending the principles of Reformasi, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
The statement did not name any case or individual but came amid reports that the Federal Territories Pardons Board is expected to discuss former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for clemency when it meets on Friday (Sept 11).
It was reported that Najib’s application was expected to be among the issues raised at the board’s meeting, although it remained unclear whether the meeting would result in a decision or merely a discussion.
Najib, 72, was convicted of misappropriating RM42mil belonging to SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, along with a RM210mil fine.
He began serving his sentence at Kajang Prison on Aug 23, 2022.
The Pardons Board subsequently halved his prison term to six years and reduced the fine to RM50mil.
On Dec 22 last year, High Court judge Alice Loke dismissed Najib’s application to serve the remainder of his reduced sentence under house arrest.
Najib later withdrew his appeal against the decision.
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