Malaysian court upholds ex-premier Najib's graft conviction
NPR Online NewsDec 23, 2021
Malaysia: Former PM Najib Loses Bid to Review Corruption Case
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via CNBC]
The Facts
Malaysia's top court on Friday dismissed the ultimate court challenge by jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak to review his corruption conviction and 12-year prison sentence.
This comes as the five-judge Federal Court panel ruled by a 4-1 majority against all four of the defense's arguments, stating that Najib caused his own misfortune and received a fair trial.
The Spin
Narrative A
It is relieving that the Federal Court has dismissed Najib's bid to review his conviction, proving once again that no one — even a former Prime Minister — is above Malaysian law. By doing so, the country's top court has delivered a remarkable deterrence message to all potential offenders.
Narrative B
It is truly sad for justice lovers around the world when a man, whether innocent or guilty, is repeatedly deprived of his right to a fair trial. Though a former national leader, Najib was neither allowed to find a new legal counsel nor to address the bench before the prosecution in the previous panel. Yet, that ruling stands.
