Malaysian court upholds ex-premier Najib's graft conviction
NPR Online NewsJUL 2021
Malaysia: Former PM Najib Loses Bid to Review Corruption Case
Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via CNBC]
The Spin
Narrative A
It is relieving that the Federal Court has dismissed Najib's bid to review his conviction, proving once again that no one — even a former Prime Minister — is above Malaysian law. By doing so, the country's top court has delivered a remarkable deterrence message to all potential offenders.
Narrative B
It is truly sad for justice lovers around the world when a man, whether innocent or guilty, is repeatedly deprived of his right to a fair trial. Though a former national leader, Najib was neither allowed to find a new legal counsel nor to address the bench before the prosecution in the previous panel. Yet, that ruling stands.