People have right to question govt, Muda tells minister

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil should not stop the public from commenting on Najib Abdul Razak’s commuted sentence, said Muda.

“It’s their (people’s) right to express their disappointment.

“Furthermore, it’s upsetting that Fahmi should say this as PKR is known for championing freedom of speech,” said Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz as reported by FMT.

Fahmi is also the PKR information chief.

Amira said the government should respect the people’s voices instead of attempting to silence them.

“That’s what the communications minister and the unity government’s spokesperson should do,” she added.

Earlier today, Fahmi urged all parties to respect the decision made by the Pardons Board regarding Najib’s reduced jail term and refrain from making comments on the matter, including on social media.

The minister said Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution stipulates that the Agong has the power to decide on the matter and the decision cannot be questioned in court.

“If the matter cannot be questioned in court, I request that we all respect the decision.

“If the comments go overboard, the police or Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can take action,” The Star reported him as saying.

Yesterday, the Pardons Board announced it reduced Najib’s jail term from 12 years to six years, which means he would be released from prison on Aug 23, 2028.

In a meeting on Monday (Jan 29), the board also slashed the fine slapped on Najib from RM210 million to RM50 million.

The previous Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, chaired the Pardons Board meeting on Tuesday (Jan 30).

Meanwhile, Amira also slammed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa for calling Muda “immature”.

The minister said this while brushing off Muda’s call for her resignation.

“Members of the Pardon’s Board, especially Zaliha and Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, should explain the reasons for reducing Najib’s jail term and fine. It is their moral obligation.

“Plus, Muda has not forgotten what Najib did in the past,” Amira added.

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