‘Arrest a lesson for others’

PETALING JAYA: Transparency International Malaysia has described the arrest of former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as a “lesson” for other leaders not to abuse the high-level power given by the rakyat.

“For far too long, the high-level corrupt officials have been able to stash their ill-gotten gains in their house or foreign banks.

“These monies are then invested in luxurious mansions, expensive cars or lavish lifestyle for their children with total impunity and in blatant disregard for the citizens they are supposed to serve.

“This shall be stopped and there shall be no impunity,” said its president Datuk Akhbar Satar in a statement.

Akhbar also praised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) swift action against Najib over alleged corruption and abuse of power.

Separately, PAS hoped that Najib was not dragged to court “out of vengeance” but based on solid evidence.

“For justice to be truly served, rule of law should prevail, and not rule by law that favours only those in power.

“Let the due process of law take its course.

“No one is above the law. Even a former deputy prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) was jailed before,” party vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah told reporters after the state executive council meeting in Kota Baru yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who was attending the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, hoped the MACC would treat Najib with respect and dignity.

“We respect the law.

“I pray for justice for him and his family. Let the due process of law run its course,” she said in a statement.