Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah’s response to the authorities’ press statement goes beyond defending Najib Razak. It underscores wider concerns about constitutional rights, judicial independence, and Malaysia’s global credibility at a time when political pressures risk shaping public perception of justice.
Shafee: Liberty Cannot Be Suspended
KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah’s statement today, issued in reaction to the press release by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Attorney-General Chambers, is more than a defence of his client, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It is a reminder that Malaysia’s justice system must remain vigilant against executive overreach. His words underscore the principle that liberty, once granted by the constitution, cannot be suspended at the convenience of the government.
Shafee’s insistence that a house arrest order — if granted — must be enforced immediately is not simply a procedural point. It is a constitutional one. To delay such an order would be to dilute the very meaning of liberty, reducing fundamental rights to administrative discretion.
Evidence and Fair Trial
Equally significant are Shafee’s concerns about access to evidence. He has pointed out that crucial documents and testimonies, including those linked to Goldman Sachs and Tim Leissner, remain out of reach for Najib’s defence team. If exculpatory material is withheld, the fairness of the trial itself comes into question.
This is not a matter of sympathy for a single defendant. It is about whether Malaysia’s courts can uphold the principle that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.
Executive Commentary and Public Confidence
The government’s press statement may have been intended to reassure the public, but Shafee’s response highlights a deeper issue: the risk of executive commentary shaping perceptions of ongoing judicial proceedings. When official pronouncements appear to pre-empt or condition court decisions, they erode confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
Why It Matters
Malaysia’s judiciary now faces a defining test. Will it enforce constitutional rights without compromise, or will political calculation seep into the administration of justice? Shafee’s statement ensures that this question cannot be ignored.
This case is not just about Najib Razak. It is about the credibility of Malaysia’s institutions, the separation of powers, and the assurance that constitutional guarantees are more than words on paper.
Crucial Week Ahead for Najib
Next week will mark a decisive moment for Datuk Seri Najib Razak. On 22 December, the High Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the Addendum application, which could determine whether Najib is entitled to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Just days later, on 26 December, Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah will pronounce judgment in the long‑running 1MDB–Tanore trial, a case that has been central to Malaysia’s most high‑profile financial scandal. Together, these back‑to‑back decisions will shape not only Najib’s immediate future but also the wider narrative of judicial independence and accountability in Malaysia.
Closing Thoughts
Beyond Malaysia’s borders, the implications of these two cases are closely watched. Judicial independence is not only a domestic concern but also a marker of credibility in the eyes of investors, international partners, and global institutions. When constitutional rights are seen to be compromised or subject to political influence, confidence in Malaysia’s governance and economic stability can be shaken. Shafee’s statement, therefore, is more than a legal defence — it is a reminder that the integrity of the justice system is inseparable from the nation’s reputation on the world stage. – 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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