KUALA LUMPUR – A close ally of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and not incumbent Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, would most likely be made the prime minister if Umno succeeds at a general election, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
The Pejuang chairman said this would be the likely outcome if Umno manages to trigger a general election soon, adding that a new Barisan Nasional-led government would be bent on freeing Najib from his 12-year jail sentence.
“There are many Umno members who want the 15th general elections held as soon as possible. Would Ismail Sabri be Umno’s prime minister if Umno wins? Surely not,” Dr Mahathir said in his latest blog post.
“The one who will become the prime minister is surely a strong supporter of Najib. For the government to be formed, their main (objective) is freeing Najib from his 12-year jail sentence.”
Dr Mahathir warned how precedent already exists in the case of Najib’s stepson Riza Aziz, who had charges against him relegated to a discharge not amounting to acquittal after agreeing to a settlement deal with prosecutors.
The nonagenarian said Najib would likely be offered a similar solution to vindicate himself if BN were to return to power.
“Najib can give back however much he wants to the BN government; it will be forgiven. After stealing billions of ringgit, Najib, who is found guilty, will not be jailed for even a day,” Dr Mahathir said.
“This is justice in Malaysia. Steal a chicken and immediately get jailed. So, steal billions. Be found guilty by the courts. Give back half a billion. Freed.”
Najib was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and fined RM210 million after he was found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering in a case linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of scandal-tainted sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)
Najib is also facing a separate graft trial linked to 1MDB. He has denied all wrongdoing, and is appealing his conviction. – The Vibes, April 4, 2022
