ALIRAN is relieved that justice has finally been served. The Federal Court has unanimously dismissed Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s appeal to quash his conviction over seven criminal charges and upheld the sentence meted out by the high court.
We commend the panel of judges for their courage in delivering their verdict despite intimidation and insults hurled at them from certain quarters.
The professional commitment of these judges has restored the country’s judicial system and reaffirmed the people’s faith in the judiciary’s independence.
In recent days, we have seen attempts to stall the process of administering justice through acts by members of Najib’s legal team that can only be deemed as unprofessional and attempting to cast the judiciary in poor light.
The closure of this court case brings immense relief for many people who have seen the case drag on for far too long, with the multiple requests for adjournments.
The verdict is also a vindication for all those who stood up against corruption and abuse of power – civil society activists, whistleblowers, public officials and journalists, prosecutors and lawyers, whose efforts made it possible for Najib to be brought to justice.
Aliran calls for greater resolve among the authorities vested with the powers and responsibility to curb and uncover high-level corruption, especially the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
We also hope to see a speedy and effective resolution of all other cases of corruption involving political elites in our country.
All of us must not let up until corruption is finally wiped out of our land. – The Vibes, August 24, 2022
Aliran is the oldest human rights and reform NGO in Malaysia
