Najib’s case proves no one is above the law, says Sithambaram
The Malaysian InsightMar 31, 2023
The Facts
Malaysia's top court on Friday dismissed the ultimate court challenge by jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak to review his corruption conviction and 12-year prison sentence.
This comes as the five-judge Federal Court panel ruled by a 4-1 majority against all four of the defense's arguments, stating that Najib caused his own misfortune and received a fair trial.
The Spin
Narrative A
It is relieving that the Federal Court has dismissed Najib's bid to review his conviction, proving once again that no one — even a former Prime Minister — is above Malaysian law. By doing so, the country's top court has delivered a remarkable deterrence message to all potential offenders.
Narrative B
It is truly sad for justice lovers around the world when a man, whether innocent or guilty, is repeatedly deprived of his right to a fair trial. Though a former national leader, Najib was neither allowed to find a new legal counsel nor to address the bench before the prosecution in the previous panel. Yet, that ruling stands.
