KUALA LUMPUR – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said that the recent apology made by Datuk Seri Najib Razak via a statement read by his son Datuk Nizar Najib last week does not mean anything to him as it did not change the fact that the former prime minister has been convicted for his crimes.
Loke emphasised that regardless of whether an apology has been issued or not, it does not negate the fact that “a crime is a crime” and Najib was found guilty by the court.
“So, to me, the apology does not mean anything,” he told the reporters at the sidelines of the launching ceremony of a new gateway facility by DHL Express at Cargo Terminal 1 of KLIA today when he was asked to comment on DAP’s stance on the matter.
Last Friday, Najib issued an “unreserved” apology for the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal which took place during his tenure as prime minister and finance minister, through a statement read by his eldest son Nizar at the Kuala Lumpur court complex.
He cited recent developments, particularly a Swiss court ruling, which convicted PetroSaudi executives Tarek Obaid and Patrick Mahony of embezzling over US$1.8 billion from 1MDB, as proof that he was not the scandal’s mastermind.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court is set to decide on October 30 whether Najib must enter his defence for four charges of abuse of power related to RM2.3 billion from 1MDB, as well as 21 counts of money laundering involving the same sum.
Najib has been serving a prison sentence since August 23, 2022, for corruption linked to SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary.
His apology was acknowledged by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who responded briefly that it was “well-received”.
However, members of the legal fraternity have questioned Najib’s motive behind the apology, with some suggesting that it may be aimed at swaying public opinion rather than influencing his ongoing criminal proceedings.
Lawyers A. Srimurugan and Rajesh Nagarajan told Scoop that the former Pekan MP’s statement constitutes an extrajudicial statement that carries no legal weight in court. Rajesh pointed out that even if Najib is found guilty, the apology message could not be used to mitigate his sentence.
House arrest law not related to Najib
When asked about DAP’s views on Najib being placed under house arrest to serve his remaining jail sentence, Loke emphasised that current laws in the country do not provide for such a punishment.
He said that the house arrest law being formulated by Putrajaya at the moment is part of the government’s prison reform agenda, and not tailored for Najib.
Loke, who is also the transport minister, explained that the bill establishes specific thresholds outlining the types of crimes eligible for house arrest, with serious crimes excluded from this option.
“So, I think it is not a question about Najib regarding the new law. As far as Najib is concerned, he’s still facing multiple charges,” he added.
Loke’s explanation on the house arrest law echoes Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s statement, which said that the law is tailored for first-time offenders who deserve a second chance.
Saifuddin had said previously that about 20,000 offenders are likely to be considered to be placed under house arrest under a proposed bill which will give attention to first offenders who did not commit major crimes, pregnant women, senior citizens and inmates with disabilities. – October 28, 2024