by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE sentencing of former Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak (centre) has restored the people’s faith in the judicial institution, said Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Centre). 

“The C4 Centre celebrates the strength and independence of Malaysia’s judicial institutions and the collective spirit of Malaysians who are determined to ensure that the individuals who were once the most powerful in the country, bow before justice,” it said in a statement yesterday.

The High Court in 2020 sentenced Najib to 12 years’ jail and RM210 million fine after he was found guilty of seven counts of corruption and abuse of power linked to some RM42 million that flowed from SRC International Sdn Bhd to his personal accounts.

“There is no doubt that the former PM is completely guilty of the criminal charges brought against him,” C4 Centre said.

The NGO also regretted that the struggle that culminated yesterday was filled with various attempts to extend the proceedings, including the request for adjournment of the case and the constant change of lawyers from Najib’s team.

“Throughout this case, the public can witness the shocking actions that are clearly aimed at attacking the integrity of the national judiciary.

“It was done through various accusations thrown at the sitting judges that the decisions given were biased, until Najib’s own legal team made a request that Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat be withdrawn from the last session of the proceedings,” it said.

C4 Centre noted that although the case had been going on for years, this is most likely just the beginning of the resolution of Najib’s various scandals during his administration.

“Nonetheless, the verdict on Najib yesterday proved that the burden borne by those who provided information, investigated, carried out the judicial process and opposed injustice had finally paid off.

“This firm judgement reaffirms the principle of ‘No one is above the law,’ not even a former PM,” it said.

C4 Centre also commended the whistleblowers, media workers, investigators, civil society organisations, government officials and members of the public who came forward to expose Najib’s crimes to the public.