KUALA LUMPUR: The government's response to the "strong rumour" surrounding Datuk Seri Najib Razak's pardon application has come under scrutiny, with veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin questioning the absence of timely official confirmation or denial of the speculation.
The former Group Editor-in-Chief of The New Straits Times Press (NSTP), in his latest Facebook post today, highlighted the seriousness of the rumour, which alleged that the Pardons Board is set to grant Najib a partial pardon.
This information was sourced from an exclusive report by Singapore's Channel News Asia, widely shared yesterday.
The report, citing three anonymous sources, including senior government officials, claimed that the Pardons Board, which convened on Jan 29, has reduced Najib's prison sentence from the court-imposed 12 years to six years, with the RM210 million fine reduced to an unspecified amount, citing the inmate's "good behaviour."
"The anticipated (swearing-in ceremony of) His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the 17th King of Malaysia should have dominated headlines last night," wrote Kadir.
"However, it seems to have been overshadowed by the rumour about the VVIP Malaysian prisoner, Najib, receiving a partial pardon.
"But until now, this rumour has neither been confirmed nor denied. Such a strong rumour should be promptly clarified, and if true, confirmed. Or is this the standard of transparency of the current government?"
Kadir noted that foreign news channels, particularly in Singapore, have extensively reported on the rumour, attributing this to the slow official communication from Malaysia, stating, "Singapore is stealing our thunder."
"(The unity) government spokesperson, Fahmi Fadzil, can only say to wait for the Pardons Board to make a statement."
Kadir pointed out that the Pardons Board, which convened on Jan 29, included Malaysia's 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, along with the Attorney General, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), and a maximum of three others appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
If the rumour proves true, Kadir remarked, "it once again demonstrates that Malaysia is a feudal state for celestial beings and deities from the heavens."
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He said should the government adhere to the principles of Madani (sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust), all inmates should be given similar treatment as Najib.
"I suggest that, immediately, all inmates who are not sentenced to death or life imprisonment should have their sentences "dinajibkan" ("Najib-ed" ), reducing their imprisonment periods and fines."
"It is unfair if prominent individuals, high-ranking officials, wealthy figures, and those who bring significant harm to the common people have their sentences reduced, while those who steal bread to feed their hungry children are left to rot.
"The ultimate and total losers due to the 1MDB are the common people who get nothing. They bear the ultimate and total loss."
He added that the government's revenue, funded by the taxes of the common people, is being used to settle the 1MDB debt of over RM50 billion, in addition to bearing the cost of supporting criminals.
On the other hand, he said those responsible for releasing or reducing the sentences of these inmates have their rewards. They receive salaries, allowances, and various facilities funded by the taxes of the common people.
"I do not dismiss the possibility of other mitigating factors that qualify for the reduction of Najib's prison sentence.
"For example, he may be suffering from a terminal illness. We do not know. Or perhaps, a conspiracy to revive his political career in the near future. In Malaysia, anything can happen!"