PETALING JAYA: While supporters hail Datuk Seri Najib Razak as selfless for taking on the blame over a financial debacle that the former premier insists is not his doing, anti-corruption groups say an apology is not enough, given the scale of the 1MDB scandal.
They also said that if the timing of Najib’s apology was to obtain a home arrest to complete the remainder of his jail sentence, then it would be a mockery of the law and justice.
Malaysia Crime Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said the 1MDB scandal has impacted Malaysia’s finances and international reputation, therefore accountability required more than just words.
“For Najib’s apology to hold weight, it would need to be backed by a sincere, detailed account of everyone involved, the mechanisms used and measures for restitution.
“Whether an apology and full disclosure would be enough for forgiveness is complex. For many Malaysians and possibly the government, the scale of damage requires substantive restorative actions,” he said.
According to Jais, true accountability includes revealing all implicated parties and having an active role in undoing the damage caused, which may involve judicial consequences, return of funds and policy reforms.
“In that light, merely apologising and naming others without addressing the broader damage would likely fall short of public expectations,” he added.
Jais said in criminal law, accountability remained with the individual regardless of whether they were misled or manipulated by others.
“This principle ensures that responsibility isn’t dismissed based on claims of ignorance or deception, especially in cases of significant wrongdoing,” said Jais.
While an apology is often viewed as a sign of remorse, he said it does not carry legal weight and does not absolve one of guilt that is established by the judicial process.
Projek Sama founding member Thomas Fann said the former prime minister could not claim ignorance over the damage inflicted by the scandal.
Fann said if Najib was truly remorseful, he should not only fully cooperate with the authorities to bring those responsible to justice but also fully repatriate and restore every sen from the 1MDB scandal.
“The true test of his sincerity is his admission of guilt, cooperation and restoration of what was lost,” he said.
Fann also said if the timing of Najib’s apology was to justify obtaining house arrest to complete his remaining sentence, then it would be a mockery of the law.
He hoped the proposed home detention law and Najib’s apology was not a deal to shore up political support.
“A home detention without going through the full due process of the law and without admission of guilt – it is unacceptable,” added Fann.
Najib is currently serving a reduced sentence after the Federal Territories Pardons Board halved his 12-year jail term to six years and reduced his fine from RM210mil to RM50mil.
