KUALA LUMPUR: Questions have been asked over the 50 per cent reduction in fine granted by the Pardons Board to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Lawyers, who spoke to the New Straits Times on condition of anonymity, said the board's statement on the 50 per cent reduction in the fine has raised more questions than answers.
They pointed out that based on the statement, the reduced amount– together with an earlier prison release on Aug 23, 2028– is now down to RM50 million from the initial RM210 million fine imposed.
But in contrast, it had earlier said that the fine was reduced by 50 per cent.
"RM50 million is not half of RM210 million," they said.
"A 50 per cent reduction from RM210 million would be RM 105 million.
"The reduced amount is actually a 75 per cent reduction.
"Be clear; which one is it? 50 or 75 per cent?" they questioned.
The reduction in Najib's fine comes with a commuted jail sentence halved from 12 to now six years after being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to RM42 million that had been syphoned off from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former 1MBD subsidiary.
However, it said that if the fine isn't paid, Najib's prison term will be extended by a year, which means that he would be released on Aug 23, 2029.
The statement brings to an end speculation over the board's decision regarding Najib's fate.
On Tuesday, the country was gripped by rumours of Najib being granted a royal pardon.
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Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the Pardons Board is expected to release an official statement this week regarding Najib's application for a royal pardon following his conviction on corruption charges and a 12-year prison sentence.
Dr Zaliha sits on the Federal Territory Pardons Board for the Federal Territories.
The 70-year-old former Pekan member of Parliament is still facing four charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.