SEPTEMBER 10 — There have been reports over the past few days that the Federal Territories Pardons Board will meet this Friday, with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for clemency expected to be considered.

Whether true or not, the constitutional process, including the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, must be fully respected. However, respect for the constitutional process does not require us to abandon our political principles. 

At our recent party convention, DAP delegates gave the leadership a clear mandate to remain in government until the end of the parliamentary term, and that decision must be respected. However, the mandate was given based on the circumstances before us at the time.

If Najib is released without serving a punishment commensurate with the gravity of his convictions, it would fundamentally change those circumstances. In my view, it would then be untenable for DAP to remain in the Cabinet. This is a red line that we cannot cross.

Najib’s conviction in the SRC International case was upheld by the Federal Court. He was subsequently convicted by the High Court on another 25 charges involving 1MDB funds and sentenced to a further 15 years’ imprisonment, although that conviction is presently under appeal. 

If Najib is released, it would be difficult for DAP to reconcile with its longstanding commitment to clean government, institutional reform and accountability. The question is not the validity of the constitutional process, which must be respected, but whether remaining in the Cabinet would compromise the principles on which the party has consistently stood.

I therefore echo the position previously expressed by DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming, who said he was prepared to resign from the Cabinet if Najib were released without serving an appropriate sentence.

Najib’s conviction in the SRC International case was upheld by the Federal Court. He was subsequently convicted by the High Court on another 25 charges involving 1MDB funds and sentenced to a further 15 years’ imprisonment, although that conviction is presently under appeal.  — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Najib’s conviction in the SRC International case was upheld by the Federal Court. He was subsequently convicted by the High Court on another 25 charges involving 1MDB funds and sentenced to a further 15 years’ imprisonment, although that conviction is presently under appeal.  — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Leaving the Cabinet need not mean bringing down the Madani government. DAP can continue supporting the government from outside the Cabinet to preserve political stability and to push for institutional reforms such as limiting the tenure of the PM and separating the positions of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor.

But stability cannot become an excuse for accepting everything. Political leaders must recognise that some lines cannot be crossed. 

I make this statement strictly in my personal capacity as a grassroots DAP member. It does not represent the official position of Federal Territories DAP or the party at any level.

*Ben Fong Kok Seng is the treasurer of DAP Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur.

** This is the personal opinion of the writers or publication and does not necessarily represent the views ofMalay Mail.