Groups raise concerns over public perception after Najib gets conditional pardon

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) said while it respected the constitutional power of clemency under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, “exceptional treatment” could reinforce perceptions that politically influential individuals face different consequences from ordinary offenders.

“It may also set expectations for similar treatment in future cases involving grand corruption and financial crime, potentially weakening the deterrent effect of Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework,” its president, Raymon Ram, said.

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