Projek SAMA, a BERSIH-linked initiative, is under fire for a Merdeka Center survey critics say misrepresents public sentiment on Najib’s royal pardon — despite data showing significant support from Indian and Malay respondents.
KUALA LUMPUR – Projek SAMA, a BERSIH offshoot, may have hoped to rally public opposition against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for royal pardon. Instead, the group’s latest press briefing raised serious questions about bias, accuracy, and fairness—particularly when its own data showed strong support from Indian and Malay communities.
The Merdeka Center survey, commissioned under Projek SAMA’s “No Dua Darjat” campaign, polled just 1,200 people nationwide. Still, the group repeatedly claimed that a “majority of Malaysians” opposed clemency — despite contradictory findings picked up by media outlets such as Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today, both of which highlighted that a majority of Indian respondents favoured Najib’s pardon.
BERSIH Legacy, Same Obsession?
Although Projek SAMA promotes itself as an independent civil initiative, its roots trace back to the BERSIH electoral reform movement. Much like its predecessor, the group seems to retain a singular focus—Najib Razak. Even as Najib serves time behind bars, Projek SAMA continues to campaign against any form of clemency for him, portraying both a royal pardon and even house arrest — despite the existence of a Royal Addendum — as unacceptable.
Ironically, the group’s own commissioned survey appeared to undermine its stance. Results indicated that many Indian and Malay Malaysians supported Najib’s bid for clemency. This data point, highlighted by several media outlets, contradicted the group’s overall narrative and raised doubts about its credibility and intent.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Polling 1,200 respondents in a country of over 36 million may be statistically acceptable under some research conditions—but it does not justify broad claims such as “most Malaysians” or “national consensus.” Presenting such a narrow data sample as a reflection of nationwide opinion is, at best, misleading.
Moreover, while Projek SAMA leaned into results that aligned with its goals, it downplayed or ignored those that didn’t—such as the apparent support among Indian and Malay communities for Najib’s royal pardon.
Additionally, the group’s briefing materials referred to Najib as having “embezzled” public funds. In fact, embezzlement was not among the charges brought against him. Najib was convicted of criminal breach of trust (CBT), money laundering under AMLA, and abuse of power. The term “embezzlement” carries a specific legal meaning and using it inaccurately casts doubt on Projek SAMA’s integrity and grasp of legal facts.
Selective Advocacy
Projek SAMA claims to stand for stability and accountability. Yet, little was said during the briefing about present-day challenges that affect millions of Malaysians — rising living costs, stagnant wages, growing inequality, or even the systemic gaps in the current administration. The disproportionate focus on Najib appears more like an extension of old political vendettas rather than a genuine civil society concern.
True reform groups must scrutinise all levels of power — past and present. When the spotlight is so tightly fixed on a single individual, it’s hard not to question whether there is a broader political motive at play.
BERSIH, But Not Balanced
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the briefing was the way it implicitly cast doubt on the Royal Pardon process itself. Article 42 of the Federal Constitution grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the authority to pardon convicted individuals. By questioning Najib’s right to appeal for mercy and framing a possible pardon as unjust, Projek SAMA risks undermining the constitutional monarchy and the legal rights of all prisoners.
Criticism is fair game—but it must be based on accurate data, legal precision, and a fair application of principles. Otherwise, groups like Projek SAMA risk becoming the very thing they claim to stand against: unaccountable, biased, and unbalanced.
There’s a difference between questioning a legal system and vilifying a lawful constitutional right. Projek SAMA’s messaging seems to blur that line — again, raising the question of intent.- NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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