“IT’S hard to say I’m sorry …, “ so went the 1980s hit by US band Chicago.
And in the case of a certain disgraced politician, the apology is just so hard to utter that it is filled with provisos and caveats.
As most Malaysians will have heard by now, incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak has “apologised” for the 1MDB debacle that happened under his watch.
But wait, it is not admission of guilt but merely a way of saying he did not do his job as prime minister (PM) and finance minister properly or judiciously.
The disgraced politician who is currently behind bars for his misdeeds conveyed this “apology” via a statement read by his son Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib at the Kuala Lumpur court complex yesterday (Oct 24).
Widely shared on social media, the prevailing sentiment was unsympathetic to say the least. An example is reaction to a post on the X platform by pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH) social media influencer Irfan_Newboys (@Marchforward).
Datuk Seri Najib Razak meminta maaf di atas apa yang terjadi kepada 1MDB sewaktu pemerintahannya
Permohonan maafnya disampaikan kepada anaknya Datuk Seri Nizar dalam satu sidang media sebentar tadi
— Irfan_newboys🇲🇾🇵🇸🏳️🏴 (@Marchfoward) October 24, 2024
The ex-Pekan MP’s admission of poor governance was roundly ridiculed for its half-heartedness with some demanding that he kneels in a live feed to beg for forgiveness from the rakyat.
Needless to say, many Malaysians want restitution, not apologies conveyed through proxies.
One commenter alluded that this apology letter was aimed at generating sympathy and possible leniency. He added that a reduction in punishment would be absolutely denied to citizens who are not scions of a political dynasty.
Another pointedly asked if the above sandiwara (playacting) is a precursor to more political maneuvering?
A few suggested that this statement was a plea for house arrest followed by a political comeback.
More than a few repeated that this was a ploy to gain sympathy and get house arrest after successfully petitioning to have his sentence reduced by half.
Of course, some mistakenly saw the statement as an admission of guilt.
The anger among many was palpable and was not confined to Najib himself with comments alluding to the “misdeeds” by his entire clan.
With another pointing out how that the stolen funds could have been used to help the needy.
One comment summed it up neatly, saying ‘sorry’ just doesn’t cut it given the gravity of the 1MDB debt.
While Najib may have supporters who believe he is not guilty of any wrongdoing, the comments on many social media platforms would be an indicator of public sentiment.
The Madani government has pledged to fight graft and put an end to decades of nepotism and cronyism. The current administration would do well to heed this and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done, without fear or favour.
However, the recent appointment of Najib’s daughter, Nooryana Narwa, to the board of MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) is an indicator that Putrajaya can be tone deaf when it comes to gauging public sentiment.
In the meantime, public awaits with bated breath the auspicious day of Oct 30. Editor’s Note: After five long years of being tried in court, Najib who is facing four charges of abusing his position to obtain RM2.3 bil from 1MDB and 21 money laundering charges involving the same amount will know on Oct 30 whether he has to enter his defence. – Oct 25, 2024
Main image credit: Najib Razak/Facebook
