KUALA LUMPUR: The Pardons Board are duty bound to explain to the public the basis of which Datuk Seri Najib's sentence was commuted to only half, says a former member of parliament.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said should the Pardons Board not explain why Najib received a reduction of his sentence, it might open a floodgate allowing those facing a similar corruption sentence to apply for a royal pardon.
"The Pardons Board has to explain the basis in which the sentence was halved from 12 to six years because this is a public interest case and social media was on fire over the last few days.
"So I think that they are duty bound to explain the logic behind this because this will actually allow others who are also facing similar charges to say - why can't I also apply?" he said.
Earlier today, after being under fire for a few days, the Pardons Board has issued a statement to halve Najib's 12-year jail term to six.
This means that the former prime minister will be released from prison on Aug 23, 2028.
His fine, initially set at RM210 million, has also been reduced to RM50 million.
However, it said that if the fine isn't paid, Najib's prison term will be extended by a year, which means that he would be released on Aug 23, 2029.