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This story highlights the stark difference in the way Malaysian law treats white collar crime and blue collar crime.
In a report by Harian Metro, a rubber tapper was sentenced to prison for 7 years for stealing RM77.
Based on the charge sheet, the man committed burglary and stole RM77 in cash belonging to a 39-year-old woman at a house in Felda Bersia in Gerik.
The accused was arrested at the time of the incident following the victim’s realization that he was stuck in the kitchen window while trying to escape.
Abdul Naaim Abu Bakar, 38, was a rubber tapper and an ex-convict. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison and two lashes at the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to burglary.
The prosecution asked the court to impose a sentence “commensurate to the crime” since he was a repeat offender. The accused was not represented by a lawyer.
Syed Saddiq was also prosecuted to the fullest
On Nov 9, former Minister of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq was found guilty of breach of trust and money laundering of ARMADA Bersatu funds.
He was ordered by the High Court to serve 7 years in prison, two lashes and a fine of RM10 million.
This example shows that even a high profile MP like Syed Saddiq had the book thrown at him, so being a politician is not a “Get out of jail FREE” card as many seem to believe.
But what about Najib?
Meanwhile, Najib has had his sentence reduced from 12 to six years and his fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.
The former prime minister (2009-2018) had been serving a 12-year jail sentence for corruption on seven charges involving funds from a former unit of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), SRC International.
Lest we make the mistake of thinking, “He is the nation’s former leader, he deserves a second chance,” be reminded that stealing RM77 is nothing compared to stealing billions of ringgit.
If both Syed Saddiq and a member of the rakyat can be prosecuted according to the fullest extent of the law, why not Najib?
Malaysians can take a lot and still forgive; we are a forgiving people. But to be forgiven one must have merit in one’s case.
What has Najib done to deserve to have his sentence and fine reduced?
He has robbed the country and burdened the future generation with a debt that will take a long time to repay.
He has stolen from parents who cannot afford to send their children to school, from the homeless who need a roof over their heads, from those who have no piped water or electricity.
On top of all this, Najib has several cases pending. Allegedly, he has the cheek to complain that he should have been given the full pardon. Where is his show of remorse? Has he even tried to pay back some of the money he stole?
Instead of Najib, the rakyat are being punished for 1MDB
There is a cult of personality that has sprung up around Najib ever since his scandal. His supporters chant the slogan “malu apa bossku?” and it has been turned into a meme on social media.
The money that Najib now does not have to pay due to the reduced fine, a whopping RM160 million, could have been used to improve schools, build more public transport, subsidise food and petrol, and make life less harsh for the rakyat.
It would have been the first real step in showing remorse from our former leader and would have genuinely helped the nation to move on from this scandal. Instead, we are again cheated out of billions of our taxpayer money.
What do you think?
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Read also: Hun Sen, Najib & Marcos: Southeast Asia’s Most Corrupt Political Leaders
Hun Sen, Najib & Marcos: Southeast Asia’s Most Corrupt Political Leaders
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