Survey: Majority polled think Najib should not be pardoned
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — More than half of respondents in a survey on Malaysians' views about the criminal justice system said they oppose the pardon plea by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
The rider survey, conducted by Merdeka Centre and commissioned by Projek Sama, a civil society group consisting mostly of academics, polled over 1,200 Malaysians between March and April this year.
Respondents were asked four primary questions, one of which specifically addressed their opinion on Najib's pardon. Only a third supported the plea, while over half opposed it, citing feelings of betrayal.
'Overall, 32.7 per cent of respondents supported his pardon plea on the grounds that he has contributed to the country, while 57.8 per cent believed that Najib should not be pardoned for various reasons,' the group said in a statement.
Among those who opposed the pardon, slightly over a third said their objection stemmed from the belief that Najib's scandal was a betrayal of the people and caused significant losses.
Another 15 per cent cited pending cases as their reason for opposing the former prime minister's pardon, while 8.1 per cent pointed to Najib's refusal to admit guilt despite his conviction.
Najib is currently seeking to serve his remaining sentence at home, even as he continues to face trials for multiple corruption and criminal breach of trust charges related to the 1MDB scandal.
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