Harapan: Those convicted in high-profile graft cases must serve out full prison sentence

Pakatan Harapan appeared to signal continued resistance to reducing former premier Najib Abdul Razak's prison sentence, as well as any potential deals that undermine court cases.

Without naming anyone, the Harapan secretariat said it maintained its position that those convicted in high-profile cases of corruption and abuse of power "must serve out the full sentence set by the courts".

It further said the law requires that any ongoing court processes must be given space to be resolved independently and in an orderly manner "without raising any perception that the process was preceded by other considerations".

The political signalling comes at a critical time for Harapan. Since coming to power as head of the Madani government, the coalition and its chief Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have been accused by its own base of being weak on graft when it involves partners, especially those in BN.

This includes the perception that prosecution against Anwar's deputy prime minister, BN chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in the Yayasan Akalbudi case was halted due to political considerations.

There is also persistent speculation that Najib may also get a full pardon under Anwar's watch. It has been reported that the Federal Territories Pardons Board is set to meet on Sept 11 to hear Najib's pardon bid.

Sin Chew Daily reported that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh had briefed Harapan leaders about the Friday pardon hearing during a coalition meeting in Putrajaya last night.

Harapan’s stance

Najib was convicted in December last year of corruption for a second time and sentenced to 15 years in jail together with a RM11.38 billion fine.

This conviction could see Najib remain in jail despite his prison sentence for the first conviction in the SRC International case.

The revised jail term for Najib’s conviction in the SRC International case was scheduled to end by August 2028. However, including the one-third remission for good behaviour, he could have been out as early as last month.

However, Harapan could lose BN as a partner - with the latter showing clear indications that it intends to work with PAS-led Perikatan Nasional in the next general election, and the duo is on a trajectory which could see them win the next polls while dealing Harapan a massive blow.

Since then, Anwar and Harapan have taken steps to revitalise its base, including allowing corruption probes and prosecution against Umno leaders.

In its statement last night, Harapan acknowledged that it was built on the support of Malaysians of all races and faiths who placed high hopes on a reform agenda to build a country that was clean, with integrity, and principled even when facing difficult situations and pressure from various fronts.

"Harapan repeats its stance to uphold the Federal Constitution, respect national institutions, and at the same time defend the principles of reformasi, rule of law, and the fight against corruption," it said.

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