KUALA LUMPUR: The Pardons Board decision to halve Datuk Seri Najib Razak's sentence made it seem like there are double standards in Malaysian law, said Muda secretary-general Amir Hariri Abd Hadi.
Amir said this is a wrong message to be delivered to the public, which would affect public confidence in the government.
"The decision that was announced by the Pardons Board made it seem like there are two sets of laws in Malaysia — one for the poor where they will be jailed, some up to 10 years for stealing formula milk or other necessities to feed their children.
"The other one is for politicians who stole hundreds of millions and not only did they not go through the same process as the common people, but also were given a 50 per cent discount (for their sentence).
"It is not even a 50 per cent discount but a 70 per cent discount (for Najib's fine) and in fact, he will be given a 100 per cent discount if he stays one more year (in jail).. This is clearly a wrong message to send to the public," he said at a press conference here today.
Amir said this message is against the reformation agenda that is being brought by the Unity Government.
"This would not only affect the country's administration but also the people's confidence in the government, politicians, justice system and democracy in Malaysia," he said.
Yesterday, the Federal Territories Pardons Board said Najib's sentence was reduced by half, which will see his release from prison on August 23, 2028.
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Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail after he was found guilty of one count of abuse of power with regard to Retirement Fund Inc's (KWAP) RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd, as well as three counts each of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power involving RM42 million of SRC funds.
