Commentary: Najib's partial pardon will affect trust in Malaysia's institutions, some more than others

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak had his jail sentence for corruption reduced from 12 to six years. KUALA LUMPUR: For better or for worse, public trust in institutions are shaped not by everyday events but the major, though infrequent, events.announced in February is one such hallmark event that could redefine how Malaysians perceive the institutions that run the country.

But how might this affect how Malaysians look at the Pardons Board, the courts and the Attorney General’s Chambers as institutions?The most obvious implication is how Malaysians look at the Pardons Board. Amid the outrage, many had called for more accountability in the board’s decisions, including releasing its reasoning and justifications. None had been provided in Najib’s partial pardon.

Both may lead to a blurring of lines between justice and mercy. Pushing for more accountability of Pardons Board decisions may push burdens of justice to an institution of mercy. Treating pardon as a norm rather than an exception dilutes the purpose of the Pardons Board and the courts. Neither do politicians’ court cases all end up with the same predictable outcomes. It lends credence to the notion that their cases were decided on individual merits instead of extraneous factors.The courts’ credibility has been earned through the past few years. It will likely be unaffected by Najib’s partial pardon, but there may be concerns of whether the final appeals courts’ will be truly final when it involves politicians.

Even though the new AG Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh was only appointed less than a year ago, he carries the burden of prosecuting corruption cases without fear or favour - like that of, who was charged in February for failing to disclose assets, as part of a probe into those named in the leaked Pandora Papers.Commentary: Malaysia judges make their mark with Najib verdict, but will it last?

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Commentary: What's holding Singaporeans back from having children?Singapore's total fertility rate has hit a historic low of 0.97, although surveys show that 67 per cent of 21- to 34-year-olds want to have children. Dr Kalpana Vignehsa of the Institute of Policy Studies explains what makes people opt out of these desires.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Commentary: In discussing Israel-Hamas conflict in Singapore, upholding social harmony is keyConcerns have sparked regarding what schools in Singapore are teaching students about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some have expressed gripes on social media that stem particularly from the Ministry of Education’s supposed stance of neutrality.
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Commentary: There’s a US$3 billion opportunity if Singapore closes women's health gapThis International Women’s Day, discussions about how to uplift women more systematically should also turn to the issue of women’s health. While foremost an issue of equity and inclusivity, there’s also an economic argument, say McKinsey’s Lucy Perez and Sachin Chaudhary.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Commentary: How F-35A acquisition takes SAF's fighting capabilities to the next levelWhen Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the acquisition of eight Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) during the debate on his ministry’s budget on Thursday (Feb 28), the Russia-Ukraine war had been going on for two years and four days.
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Commentary: Shattering the modesty myth — why women should claim due credit at work and at homeI am sometimes asked by friends to help vet their CV, LinkedIn profile or appointment announcement. Last week, a long-time friend joined a new company and forwarded to me a draft of her appointment announcement written by the HR department head.
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Commentary: Chinese women are breaking period taboos to campaign for cheaper tampons and padsGrassroot groups in China have publicly argued that the tax on menstrual products was too high. This kind of public discussion would not have happened a few years ago, says this University of St Andrews lecturer.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »