KUALA LUMPUR – Stop issuing nonsensical debate challenges as you remain a convict, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh tells former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Ramkarpal said it is a waste of time to indulge in “senseless challenges”, instead Najib should use his time in prison to “reflect on his misdeeds and repent (bertaubat)”.
“It is obvious that Najib wishes to use me to remain relevant by challenging me to this debate. I will not allow myself to be used by this cheap publicity stunt of his. It is a pity to see Najib in such a desperate state.
“As far as I know, no one from Najib’s camp has contacted me. It is pointless engaging with Najib on this issue, as it is elementary that the majority judgement of the said application prevails. Even the Pardons Board maintained his conviction.
“As such, any debate, whether with me or anyone else, would not change the fact that Najib remains a convict and that his conviction is safe.”
Meanwhile, Najib’s Facebook page has a response this morning, saying it is not a debate but an exchange of views with a representative.
“But if Ramkarpal, Hanipa Maidin and Tony Pua are too busy, other critics such as (lawyer) Haniff Khatri, Bersih rep, Mukhriz (Mahathir) or a rep from Pejuang, Muda, C4 or Bar Council are also invited.
“First come, first served.”
Previously, Najib supporters challenged Ramkarpal to a live debate over the SRC International case, in which the high court found the former prime minister guilty and sentenced him to 12 years in jail in 2020.
Najib’s official Facebook account had earlier carried a statement claiming that many members of the public do not understand the case facts or have not closely followed the court proceedings.
They were countering Ramkarpal’s previous statement, in which he urged the Pardons Board to disclose the reasons behind their decision, as it is a matter of public interest.
“We invite Ramkarpal Singh to a televised open debate with a representative from our side on the subject of whether or not Najib deserves a pardon for the SRC case.”
The call was made to the individuals following the recent Federal Territories Pardons Board decision to grant Najib a reduction of 50% in jail sentence (from 12 years to 6 years) as well as a reduced fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Najib is currently serving his jail sentence after he was found guilty in 2020 of misappropriating RM42 million of SRC International’s funds.
Following the Pardons Board’s announcement, Pua, who is a DAP senior leader, took to his Facebook page to post cryptic reactions to the news, such as “I beg your pardon?” and “Can someone send me to jail for one year and, in exchange, pay me RM50 million? Pretty please?”
However, Pua is now being investigated for sedition and misuse of network facilities.
Earlier, Nooryana Najwa Najib posted on her social media page that her father was “disappointed, very, very disappointed” by the Pardons Board decision. – February 5, 2024