The nation was shocked yesterday (August 23) as the date marked the first day of prison for former Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Razak.
Before he was brought to Kajang Prison, Najib had a lot to say in court, including his thoughts about being mistreated and not having a fair trial.
“I was not given the opportunity to explain my circumstances regarding the need to request an adjournment on the SRC appeal case.”
Hisyam Teh compared the trial to a match, according to Sin Chew, his defence attorney, but Najib said that he felt unfairly left out of the match because his freedom was at stake. The court process was never intended to be delayed, he said, but he was aware that it would take time for the judge to review the piles of documents related to his case.
“I’m not ashamed to say, I was desperate, as would any litigant placed in my situation and predicament. I thought my decision would increase my chances of improving the quality of submissions at the appeal.”
“It wasn’t this quick for Anwar to go behind bars”
In court, Najib also commented on the head of the Opposition, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was previously jailed. He said that his appeal was “fast-tracked” as compared to the head of the Opposition, whose case took a longer time to reach the final stage.
“It took Anwar 7 years and more than 70 extensions before he went to jail. The SRC case lasted 4 years with 2 years of delay due to the pandemic.”
Najib said that throughout his trial, he has never appealed for postponement, except for the appeal when he went through the change in counsels.
Najib’s daughter has since revealed that they will not rest until her father is back home and justice is served. Do you think Najib will stay behind bars for 12 years or is he bound to get a pardon?
