6th February 2024
Patriot gravely concerned on outcome of Pardon Board's decision
Patriot is gravely concerned over the escalating concerns registered by many organisations, NGOs and individuals including noted personalities as well as local and foreign media over the recent development involving convicted criminal, Najib Abdul Razak.
The social media outpourings, the news reports and statements coming from within and outside the government corridors cannot be sidestepped.
The pardon board's decision to grant the jailed former prime minister a fifty percent discount on time behind bars plus a seventy five percent discount on fines imposed by the court of justice is not being readily accepted by all segments of society.
Despite the prime minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly clarifying he had no hand in the pardon board's decision; despite a minister stating that the outcome was a "collective decision"; despite the prime minister appealing and warning not to question the decision of the board; despite the fact that legal eagles have attempted to educate on the validity of the pardon process and the legality of the action taken - the various publics' refusal to welcome the grace showered on Najib is a serious concern that demands quick resolve in the best interest of peace and unity. Hence,
- Patriot feels deeply betrayed on what it sees as a controversial issue which cannot be threatened and quietened by issuing orders or preaching from the top.
- To date the attempts taken to defend the pardon board's decision has only added to the confusion that can truly undermine peace and unity in the country.
- Patriot will not mince or sugar coat its opinion in the wake of this serious concern that is brewing and threatening to snowball into a national problem.
- Any attempts to not redress or be ill timed in remedying the unhappiness will only further confuse the public and lower their belief in the seriousness of the government's fight against corruption and in the efforts to champion equality and fairness for all citizens.
- Patriot warns that it is disheartening to note that although we have clearly defined laws and well placed procedures, we have however strayed from this clear and straight path for reasons that may only be known to some quarters for now.
Patriot therefore calls on the government to address the growing, strong voices and protests by almost every sector of the Malaysian citizenry.
The leaders and decision makers cannot bury their heads in the sand or pass the buck as the peace and unity in the country can eventually be pawned if no remedies are provided to quell and appease the loud, clear and spreading unhappiness and the many legitimate calls for enlightenment on the controversy.
Patriot too demands a straight forward statement from the Pardons Board to explain the reasons for the controversial decision.
Lt Col Dato' Zarazilah Mohd Ali
President
Persatuan Patriot Kebangansaan
MALAYSIA
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