As Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor continue to face multiple court proceedings, many question whether the prolonged legal battles serve justice or represent a form of public punishment. With Najib’s defamation suit against Tommy Thomas also commencing last week, his supporters ask if it’s time to stop putting the former first family on trial.
KUALA LUMPUR – As former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, face yet another round of grueling court proceedings, questions are being raised about the necessity of these prolonged legal battles. While Najib’s tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for his contributions to the nation, his supporters wonder if it’s time to stop what they see as the continuous public trial of the former first family.
The former Prime Minister and his wife have been at the center of several high-profile court cases this week, further intensifying their already challenging situation. Najib recently testified in court regarding allegations that he failed to inquire about SRC International’s RM3.6 billion in funds frozen by Swiss authorities in 2013. Despite his defence that he expected the management to keep him informed, the prosecution argued that Najib personally benefited from these funds. Najib, however, has consistently maintained that he believed the money in his accounts was a donation and not illicitly obtained.
More Cases
In addition to these ongoing cases, Najib is also facing trial for the 1MDB-Tanore Trial. The High Court is set to make a critical ruling on 30 October, where Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah will decide whether there is a prima facie case against Najib in relation to the charges of misappropriation of 1MDB funds. This ruling could determine whether Najib will need to enter his defence or if the case will be dismissed.
For Rosmah, the situation is similarly dire. Her legal team argued this week that accusations of tax evasion against her do not necessarily translate to money laundering, which is the charge she faces. The defence has emphasised the importance of distinguishing between tax offences and more severe money laundering allegations. This technical argument reflects the complexities of her case, as her lawyers seek to dismantle the prosecution’s claims.
Immense Pressure
The pressure has been immense on both Najib and Rosmah, particularly as new allegations surface, including persistent rumors regarding the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case. Najib has categorically denied involvement, stating under oath that he had never met the victim and was not connected to the crime.
Adding to his legal woes, Najib’s defamation suit against former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas began last week in the Shah Alam High Court. The suit stems from allegedly defamatory statements in Thomas’ book My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, which implicate Najib in the Altantuya murder. Najib’s legal team is fighting to clear his name of these accusations.
Najib Supporters Recount His Contributions
Supporters of Najib and Rosmah are now questioning whether it is time to put an end to these trials, considering the fact that he is now serving a jail sentence for the RM42 milion SRC case since 2022 with the sentence period having been halved by the former Yang Di Pertuan Agong from the original 12 years, giving him two to three years to go if we take remission into account.
Najib’s legacy as Prime Minister includes significant contributions to Malaysia’s economic and infrastructural development, which many believe should not be overshadowed by the legal battles he is facing today. The former premier’s achievements, such as steering Malaysia through periods of global financial turbulence and his role in shaping major national projects, are still fresh in the minds of his advocates.
Despite these achievements, the relentless pursuit of court cases has painted a picture of a family perpetually defending itself against accusations. For Najib and Rosmah, this week’s proceedings are just the latest in a long line of legal challenges that seem to have no end in sight.
Legal scholar (jurist) and a NMH columnist, Joe Fernandez, believes that the jury may be out on filing multiple cases on the same issue against Najib and wife Rosmah.
He believes that the powers that be are using the court for getting Najib out of the way, permanently if possible, otherwise temporarily for buying time. Najib, he noted, has 4.6m Followers in FB alone.
Prolong Public Scrutiny
As the legal saga continues, many are left wondering if these extended trials are serving the cause of justice or merely prolonging the public scrutiny of the former Prime Minister and his family. For their supporters, these cases represent not just a personal ordeal for the couple but also a broader question about the balance between justice and fairness in post-leadership trials.
Najib’s next court appearance is scheduled for later this month, while Rosmah continues to battle her charges with her legal team committed to proving her innocence. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this is a trying time for the Najibs, and the question of whether justice or retribution is at play will continue to be debated. – NMH
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