PUTRAJAYA – The decision by the Federal Court today to reject Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s review application for his SRC International Sdn Bhd case is vindication proving that the charges levelled against him are legally mounted and not politically motivated, said ad hoc prosecutor Datuk V. Sithambaram.
He said this following the 4-1 judgement by the five-member bench hearing the application filed by the former prime minister.
“There is also the question of how the prosecution feels (about the ruling), and I must tell you that there is no joy in successful prosecution except that the Attorney-General’s Chambers has been able to ensure the rule of law has prevailed in this case,” he told reporters today.
Sithambaram said today’s verdict sends a strong message to politicians and others that no man is above the law.
“I want to stress that this successful prosecution must send a chilling message to other offenders that the law will catch up with you and punish the guilty.”
Sithambaram said while legally, there is still room for the defence to file further review, particularly considering there was one dissenting judgement, this is unlikely to take place.
“A review is for a decision made by the Federal Court. If you want to review upon a review, then, there’s no stopping. Legally, there is a possibility, but unlikely.
“It is the hope of the prosecution that this will bring closure to the SRC International case.”
Earlier, Federal Court judge Datuk Vernon Ong Lam Kiat, in delivering the majority judgement, said the decision to reject Najib’s application was made after considering all submissions in the earlier trials, as well as all evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution and defence.
He said having considered all the records, the apex court found that all earlier convictions against Najib are safe and that the sentences imposed against the former premier are not excessive, and therefore affirmed.
“We are of the view that the review application did no more than challenge the merit of the Federal Court’s decision. Accordingly, the review application is hereby dismissed.”
Today’s decision means Najib will continue to serve his sentence.
Najib was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million by the high court on July 28, 2020. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal and Federal Court upheld his conviction. – The Vibes, March 31, 2023
