KUALA LUMPUR – Other politicians who were embroiled in corrupt practices will now fear their own fate after seeing a former prime minister jailed for his crime, said a PKR lawmaker.
Subang MP Wong Chen said with more individuals allegedly involved in the multibillion-ringgit 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal alongside Datuk Seri Najib Razak, yesterday’s Federal Court decision would serve as a boost to prosecutors to continue fighting for justice.
“I believe the historic ruling yesterday has struck deep fears into the hearts of all corrupt politicians and officials in Malaysia. If a former prime minister can be jailed, any corrupt minister, MP or high official can be jailed too,” he said in a series of tweets today.
“So, is this part of the 1MDB scandal? The SRC International Sdn Bhd case of RM42 million is so minute in quantum, compared to the RM40 billion scale of the scandal.
“There are so many more conspirators, enablers and launderers who remain free, happily spending stolen public money and continue living the high life. I hope that yesterday’s ruling will give the prosecutors a big boost to pursue all the other crooks.”
In a historic ruling yesterday, the five-member apex court bench chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat upheld the lower courts’ decision that Najib is guilty of all seven charges in the SRC International corruption case.
Najib was ordered to immediately serve his 12-year prison sentence following his unsuccessful final appeal.
In expressing his gratitude to the judges who upheld justice, Wong said the court outcome brings hope for a new chapter in the country’s history, towards a corrupt-free Malaysia.
“Bottom line, the ruling promises a new turning point in our history, but we the people must now seize it and enforce it. I urge all to continue to press and demand for full transparency and accountability of all politicians and civil servants.”
He added that the apex court’s decision offers a sense of vindication for anti-corruption struggles among some of his opposition colleagues, and the unsung heroes among Malaysians who took part in Bersih rallies against the “corrupt Barisan Nasional government”.
“We were chased, beaten and tear gassed. Yesterday’s ruling made it absolutely worth it.
“Some of my closest friends were arrested, made to wear purple lockup clothes, paraded barefoot and humiliated during Najib’s administration. I am sure yesterday was a particularly memorable day for them.” – The Vibes, August 24, 2022
