DR ZALIHA Mustafa said the call by Muda for her to be sacked over Datuk Seri Najib's sentence reduction reflected their immaturity.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said the decision to halve the former prime minister's jail term was a collective one.
"Muda's call for me to be sacked is very immature.
"The decision (to halve his sentence) is a collective decision by the Pardons Board and the call for me to be sacked is their (Muda) personal opinion," she told reporters at the ministry's meeting with editors in Kuala Lumpur.
Yesterday, the Pardons Board said the former prime minister's prison sentence and fine had been reduced.
This means that Najib will be released on August 23, 2028, which is much earlier than what was set before.
The Pardons Board also decided at its meeting on January 29 to cut the fine imposed on him from RM210 million to RM50 million.
If the fine is not paid, one year will be added to his remaining time in jail, which means that he will then be released on August 23, 2029.
Following the announcement, Muda in a statement, said Zaliha had failed in her duties as an advisor and decision-maker in matters related to clemency.
"Referring to the statement issued by the Pardons Board regarding the reduction of the sentence on Najib Razak, we demand Zaliha Mustafa be dismissed from the cabinet immediately," said Muda.
Muda stressed that as a government representative in the pardon board, which functions as both an advisory body and a recommending authority for all pardon-related decisions, Zaliha had failed in her responsibilities.
Najib's family, meanwhile, said they were disappointed he was not pardoned for his conviction related to the 1MDB scandal.
His daughter, Nooryana Najwa Najib in a social media post, said her family remained adamant that the former prime minister was not guilty of any crime in the corruption scandal.
“Although the family appreciates his sentence reduction from a 12-year jail term to six that was decided by the Pardons Board, we are disappointed that he was not granted a full pardon and released immediately after consideration of opinions and advice.
“Najib and his family remain steadfast in their belief that he is innocent,” she said.
“Those who followed the SRC International case closely would agree with the judgement by Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak (Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli) that Najib suffered great injustice during the trial," she said. - The Vibes, February 3, 2024
