There are several similarities between former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo's graft conviction case with the RM2.6 billion donation issue.

Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin notes this, in his latest blog posting with regard to the jail sentence meted to Khir.

Kadir said Khir's case had given a "special meaning" in both the local and international investigations involving debt-ridden 1MDB and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak ( photo ).

"There are several similarities between Khir's corruption case and the RM2.6 billion 'donation' that went into Najib's personal accounts, especially on the political excuse and the claim that the rakyat did not lose anything.

"Unlike Khir who denied involvement, Najib continues to be silent and did not even deny the existence of the personal accounts containing the RM2.6 billion. Instead, his supporters claim that the money was 'donated' by a mysterious wealthy Arab donor," he said.

Political leaders can still be investigated

Kadir also pointed out how Najib's lawyers had delayed in materialising their threat to sue the Wall Street Journal for exposing the matter, even though the threat was made almost three months ago.

"Khir's incarceration has definitely increased the worry of those who are involved with the 1MDB scandal and Najib's personal accounts," he said.

The Federal Court on Tuesday slapped a one-year prison sentence on Khir ( photo ) after dismissing his appeal against a graft conviction last week.

The apex court also rejected the 50-year-old dentist's offer to do community service by providing free dental service for the poor in lieu of a jail sentence.

Khir began his jail sentence from Tuesday at the Kajang prison.

Meanwhile, commenting on Khir who had continued to insist that he was innocent, Kadir said whether he admitted that he was guilty or otherwise, Khir had already been proven to having been involved in corruption.

"Political leaders can still be investigated, charged and found guilty.

"His incarceration gives a positive psychological effect to the rakyat that no one is above the law," he said.