THE Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) has expressed relief over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conviction and sentence in the SRC International case yesterday (Aug 23).
The group said in convicting Najib Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat maintained an impartial and non-partisan manner in handling the case, thus making a fair and neutral ruling.
“With his online popularity, Najib tried to use his influence to distort the fabric of social values and downplay the act of theft,” said the group.
“While the case was going on trial, Najib made many public speeches and set off a ‘Bossku’ (My Boss) trend on social media.
“He even shamelessly asked his supporters ‘Malu Apa?’ (What Shame?), and became an international laughing stock.”
According to KLSCAH Najib’s crimes not only violated the Rukun Negara but sowed seeds of contempt for the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019–2023 (NACP) blueprint.
“With Najib now imprisoned, KLSCAH believes that this will end the spotlight on the Najib ‘Malu Apa, Bossku?’ era and detach our citizens from its distorted and sensational values,” the group said.
According to KLSCAH former chief justice Tun Mohamed Raus Shariff has publicly stated that the judiciary as an institution should not be subservient to anyone other than the Federal Constitution.
“The public has long questioned whether Malaysia’s Judiciary is under the control of the Legislature, which might influence the final verdict of his trial,” the group noted.
“However, Najib’s conviction not only means that Malaysia still has an independent judicial system. It serves as a warning to all politicians – that no one in power or in opposition – should be corrupt and abusive, and that they will face the law equally if they commit crimes.”
KLSCAH further elaborated that after the Sheraton Move in 2020 Malaysia has a more balanced power among the three forces – an effective check-and-balance that serves as a symbol of the country’s progress towards a sound, democratic system.
“Despite a somewhat unsatisfactory conclusion to the trial, had Barisan Nasional (BN) not fallen during the 2018 elections, the Najib case would not have concluded this soon,” it pointed out.
“This is proof that the voters’ votes have advanced the democratic process in Malaysia. Therefore, KLSCAH would like to call on all voters to vote in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15) to maximise the power of their votes and fulfil their civic duty.” – Aug 24, 2022
Main photo credit: The Star
