KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has raised concerns about the potential impact of granting amnesty or a “discount” on sentences for criminals. The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister suggested that such actions could embolden people to commit crimes if they believe they could receive similar leniency. His comments come in the wake of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s partial pardon, which reduced his 12-year jail sentence to six years and his RM210mil fine to RM50mil.
Kitingan emphasized the importance of maintaining a single, consistent standard of justice for all individuals. He warned that deviating from this standard could send the wrong message and create an expectation of amnesty for those who commit crimes. “They will say ‘I can also be pardoned, get a discount’,” he expressed during the launch of the Chinese New Year Rural Development Corporation market at Tanjung Lipat.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks reflect a broader debate in Malaysia about the implications of Najib’s partial pardon. Kitingan suggested that the decision could set a precedent that might affect the public’s perception of the justice system.
Recent developments in Najib’s case have sparked discussions about the fairness and consistency of the Malaysian justice system. Kitingan’s statement adds to the ongoing dialogue about the potential impact of leniency on individuals accused of criminal activities.
The concerns raised by Kitingan highlight the need for a fair and equitable justice system that treats all individuals equally. The implications of granting amnesty or reducing sentences for high-profile figures like Najib could have broader implications for public perception and expectations regarding justice in Malaysia.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government and legal authorities will address the concerns raised by Kitingan and others regarding the potential impact of leniency on the criminal justice system.
KOTA KINABALU: People may be emboldened to commit crime if they believe they can get amnesty or a “discount” on their sentence, says Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister said this could be on potential criminals’ minds after former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s partial pardon which saw his jail sentence reduced from 12 years to six, and his fine cut down from RM210mil to RM50mil.
He said there should only be one justice system and no the same standard must be applied to everyone or it would send the wrong message and people would expect amnesty after committing a crime.
“They will say ‘I can also be pardoned, get a discount’,” he told reporters after launching the Chinese New Year Rural Development Corporation market at Tanjung Lipat here on Saturday (Feb 3).
