"No One Is Above The Law," Says Najib. Is This Completely True?

When I read the Bernama headline, for a second I thought that perhaps Najib was referring to some western country where the rule of law is more or less equally applicable to all its citizens. As I read on, it became clear that he was indeed talking about our beloved country where criminals are criminals and no one, and absolutely no one, can escape punishment. Or so he says.

Off-hand I can think of a few dignitaries who have circumvented the system and are still walking around scot free, apparently untouched or even uncaring of the consequences of their actions. The former ACA DG figures prominently in my mind, as does that palace building Umno pemimpin from Klang, Zakaria Mat Deros. And who can forget the infamous 'close one eye' MP from Jasin? The list can be expanded ad infinitum, but I'll leave you to compile your own catalog of crooks who've successfully gotten away. First let's take a look at Najib's claim.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said no one in the country can hide from the long arm of the law if they commit crime.

"Punishment awaits anybody who dares to violate the laws of the country," the deputy prime minister said.

He was commenting on a Bernama report that a deputy minister and a senior politician, who is also a tycoon, in Sarawak were under police probe for alleged involvement in gangsterism, illegal logging and attempted bribery of senior police officers.

Najib, however, declined to comment further when met by reporters. The deputy prime minister said the media should get further information on the case from the police.

Bernama yesterday reported that the tycoon, who is also a politician, was suspected of having attempted to bribe policemen to secure the release of an underworld "don" who is under police custody in Sarawak.

Federal CID director Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee was quoted as saying that a special team was conducting thorough investigations into the case.

***** So there you have it. Najib has emphatically and very clearly stated that no one is above the law. Therefore we'll just have to wait and see as the days go by if the personalities mentioned above, as well as those on your list of privileged criminals are brought to justice or will the Attorney-General continue having episodes of prolonged siesta. Somehow I have grave doubts about Najib's optimism. What about you?
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