Zaid Ibrahim, a former lawyer for Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has called for the Prime Minister to publicly reveal the process of the Pardons Board.
He expressed concerns over the confidentiality of the Pardons Board’s proceedings and the lack of transparency regarding the decision-making process. Zaid also questioned the involvement and positions of various political figures and parties in regards to Najib’s pardon.
He emphasized the importance of basing the pardon on Najib’s contributions to the country.
Additionally, Zaid defended Umno’s involvement in advocating for Najib’s pardon, stating that it should not be viewed as interference with the Pardons Board’s decision.
He highlighted the lack of transparency in the country’s decision-making processes and how it can lead to public dissatisfaction and frustration.
These comments were made by Zaid at the launch of veteran Umno leader Tan Sri Shahrir Samad’s books “Dendam Orang Menang” and “Keputusan Akhir” at the Seri Pacific Hotel on February 3.
He criticized the Pardons Board’s decision, describing it as unsatisfactory and a result of the government’s attempt to appease everyone, leading to no one being happy.
Zaid expressed his personal belief that Najib should have been pardoned and emphasized the importance of upholding the principle of the application process.
The Pardons Board had announced on February 2 that Najib’s jail term had been reduced from 12 years to six, with a release date set for August 23, 2028, and a reduced fine of RM50 million from RM210 million.
However, if the fine is not paid, an additional year will be added to the jail term, extending the release date to August 23, 2029, according to the Pardons Board secretariat.
