KUALA LUMPUR – Two cabinet members have called for calm amid the public backlash from certain quarters following the Pardons Board’s decision to halve Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s punishment.
DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cabinet had no influence in the board’s decision as the matter is final and cannot be challenged in court.
“Najib’s punishment remains and he is not pardoned. He is still guilty of the SRC International charges, only that the jail sentence is halved,” he told reporters in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, today.
“He has other ongoing cases relating to the 1MDB scandal.”
Loke added that Malaysian laws allow for any convict to petition for a pardon.
“DAP is calling for calm when faced (with the news) of this decision. Some are upset that Najib was not released, while others are upset that his sentence was reduced. I urge everyone to remain calm.
He also said the board’s decision would not affect DAP’s cooperation with any party in the unity government as political stability must be maintained.
Separately, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said all quarters must respect the decision of the Pardons Board and refrain from overreacting when making comments on social media.
“If the court’s decision cannot be questioned, I ask that we all respect (the Pardons Board decision). Action can be taken by the police or the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) against those who go overboard in their comments.
“So, don’t break the law and don’t touch on 3R (religion, race and royalty) issues. I request that all be cautious and vigilant (in making comments),” he told reporters after an event at Felda Bukit Goh’s digital economy centre today.
He reiterated that Article 42(1) of the federal constitution states the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the power to grant pardon for offences committed within the federal territories.
As for some in Umno who were hoping for Najib’s release, Fahmi said he is optimistic that the party leadership will manage the matter well.
Yesterday, the Pardons Board announced that Najib was granted a reduced jail sentence and fine.
The former Umno president’s jail sentence was halved from 12 years to six years, while his fine was slashed from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Should Najib fail to pay the RM50 million fine, he would have to serve an additional year in prison.
Najib began serving his prison sentence on August 23, 2022 after losing his final appeal at the Federal Court. He submitted his petition for a royal pardon in September of the same year.
He was convicted by the high court in July 2020 of corruption involving RM42 million of funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd. – February 3, 2024