WIDESPREAD anger has erupted among netizens following an unverified report by mainstream Utusan Malaysia that incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been pardoned by the Pardons Board.
The Malay-language daily had earlier quoted a source as saying that: “Najib was pardoned yesterday but the official statement has not been issued”.
The Pardons Board is expected to issue a statement shortly over the fate of the former Pekan MP who has to spend 12 years behind bars and fined RM210 mil after being found guilty of all seven charges related to the misappropriation of RM42 mil of funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territory) Zaliha Mustafa confirmed this to Malaysiakini that the board had met on the matter but declined to provide details.
“Wait for the official statement from the Pardons Board,” she said through an aide.
Malaysiakini said it understood that that a meeting on this matter was held yesterday at Istana Negara.
The meeting was among Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s final tasks before he is replaced by Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar as his reign ends today.
Interestingly, news of Najib’s release was received with a barrage of anger by subscribers of the country’s first independent online media. Here are five top comments: – Jan 30, 2024
