By Amin Ridzuan Ishak dan Zareef Muzammil
GOMBAK, Nov 13 — Several voters are opposed to the idea of a pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, citing the RM42 million misappropriation in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case as being too major to deserve one.
Private pensioner Noor Din Mohd Ashari, 60, said those pressing for Najib's release from prison should face reality, as his crime is hard to forgive.
[caption id="attachment_289542" align="alignleft" width="181"]
Private pensioner Noor Din Mohd Ashari, 60. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"Even if he is released (given amnesty) once, his political career is all but over as many have lost their faith in him.
"I cannot speak for others, but I really do not trust him anymore," he told SelangorKini at Gombak recently.
[caption id="attachment_289543" align="alignright" width="245"]
Ruslilawatie Othman, 56, self-employed. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Noor Din's sentiments were echoed by Ruslilawatie Othman, 56, who said the amount embezzled in the SRC International case was tremendous when such funds could have gone to Malaysia's development and to look after the people's welfare.
"Just imagine what could have been done with such an amount; the nation has that must be honoured," said the self-employed individual.
[caption id="attachment_289544" align="alignleft" width="252"]
Private retiree Alias Omar, 60. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Private retiree Alias Omar, 60, said the decision of the court that sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison must be respected, with no political interference.
"Why would we violate the sanctity of the law for the benefit of such individuals? The nation's laws must be obeyed," he said.
On his part, trader Muhd Ezani Hussin, 44, questioned the privileges seemingly accorded to Najib, so much so the suggestions he should be released sound ludicrous when considering his offences are greater than what others have done.
[caption id="attachment_289545" align="alignright" width="214"]
Trader Muhd Ezani Hussin, 44. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
The 69-year-old former premier began his dozen-year prison sentence on August 23, after failing to set aside his conviction and sentence for embezzling RM42 million from SRC International.
Najib also faces charges related to the alleged misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in funds from 1MDB. He faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB's funds, as well as 21 money laundering charges related to the same amount.
