By M Santhananaban
Lest it be forgotten, former Prime Minister Najib Razak perhaps did far more damage to the country than any of his predecessors.
In just nine years from 2009, the sixth PM stained the country’s reputation. He subverted its key institutions, allegedly short-changed pensioners, and shamelessly sought to invest, as he claimed, in the world’s most powerful nation.
His actions resulted in his ruling coalition’s defeat in the 2018 general election despite the clear advantages he had as an all-powerful incumbent PM.
Najib was later charged, tried and convicted.
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In their judgments, a string of higher court judges established beyond doubt he was a deceitful, dishonest and dubious character who had indulged in heinous crimes and could offer no reasonable explanation for what he had done.
As we enter 2025, we appear to be spending unnecessary energy on saving this former prime minister from the rigours of his mandated prison term. We also witness a supreme effort to cast aspersions on the impeccable law-and-order mechanism that had tried him fairly over the abominable episode involving plundered public funds.
Surely the current government cannot see that effort as its most important task.
As private individuals, some of us may have some sympathy, on an individual basis, for this fallen princeling-prime minister who was sent to prison. But that personal or private sympathy should not be transformed into a major political or national preoccupation.
If it does come to that, what message does it send to the younger generation? That the laws on our statute books are only meant for minor offences and lesser minions but don’t apply to holders of high office?
Remember, during Najib’s term in office, the current PM was imprisoned for a lengthy period for nothing that was offensive to the nation’s welfare.
Najib’s actions damaged the country. It diminished the respectability of the prime minister’s office and sapped the energy of the people.
The former PM has shown no contrition. Yet, we want to excuse and dilute the gravity of his odious conduct?
Are we evolving into a society and state that has no regard for the sanctity and supremacy of its laws and regulations?
It simply cannot be. It is illogical, insensitive and illegal.
The resources of the government should instead be redeployed to build a more sustainable, well-governed, inclusive and resilient society.
Issues that divide the country should be avoided at all costs.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Lock him up in a dark cell and throw away the key. Not to be seen and heard from anymore.
A bad reflection on his old man, our former P.M.