Rafizi Ramli: 1MDB Case Has Split Malaysia, Calls for Reflection
31 Dec 2025 • 3:00 PM MYT
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The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case has sparked deep divisions across the country, according to former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who described the legal battle as highly charged and emotionally fraught.
Speaking in the aftermath of the High Court’s ruling, Rafizi said the case has polarized Malaysians, with opinions sharply divided over the outcome. The former lawmaker, long critical of the sovereign wealth fund controversy, urged the public to come to terms with the strong emotions surrounding the matter.
He emphasized that individuals have the right to either accept or reject the High Court’s judgment, which saw former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak convicted on all 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering. The court sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison and imposed a fine totaling RM11.387 billion.
Rafizi highlighted that while citizens are entitled to continue defending Najib, they cannot compel others to share the same perspective. He noted that such differences of opinion are likely to persist, reflecting the enduring complexity of the case.
“This case is loaded with emotion. It is up to each of us to reconcile with it, so that future generations can draw meaningful lessons from this long 1MDB episode,” Rafizi said.
The ruling has also drawn public reactions from Najib’s family. His daughter, Nooryana Najwa, expressed that the court’s decision cannot diminish her father’s decades of service, dedication, and commitment to the nation. She urged supporters to remain resilient, stressing that hope and strength must be maintained even in the face of legal setbacks.
Observers have noted that the verdict, while legally conclusive, has further highlighted the political and social rifts in Malaysia, exposing underlying tensions among supporters and critics alike. Analysts suggest that the 1MDB case will continue to influence public discourse and political alignments for years to come, serving as a defining moment in Malaysia’s modern political history.
Rafizi’s remarks underscore a broader call for maturity and reflection among Malaysians, advocating for civil discourse and measured responses as the nation navigates the aftermath of one of its most high-profile corruption cases.
Of course the 1MDB case will continue to influence public discourse and political alignments for years to come, Malaysia will continue to pay the debt obligation guaranteed by the Malaysian taxpayer until the final payment in 2039.
ReplyDeleteI have for many years practiced the principle of Forgivenes and Redemption in my organisation's hiring practices.
ReplyDeleteRare in the Penang tech industry, my organisation has been open-minded about hiring ex-prisoners, where others HR normally treat jail time as a no-go..The Penang Prisons Department has been aware of this, and now and then approach my HR as to whether we would consider suitable candidates.
I have some important ground rules. The released prisoner must have been fully rehabilitated, repented for their crime and have a strong intention to build a fresh start as a law-abiding citizen.
The prisoner Najib has shown no remorse , no contrition for the serious crimes he committed.His jail remission and House arrest demand is like an entitlement.
A person with such an attitude towards his conviction and incarceration cannot be considered rehabilitated.