BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  Is the Government Going Too Soft on Najib?

Is the Government Going Too Soft on Najib?

Pushpan Murugiah, CEO, Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4)

04-Feb-25 15:00

Is the Government Going Too Soft on Najib?

In an interview with the Financial Times, when asked about the reduced prison sentence for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, current Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he does not wish for Najib to suffer in “hell” as he once did. This is of course amidst ongoing conversations on the possibility that Najib could be granted house arrest for the rest of his sentence, although it has to be said that such laws do not yet exist in Malaysia. 

In response to that, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism released a statement recently saying “enough is enough! Why has the tone of the Madani government been so sympathetic to Najib Razak? Have they forgotten the sheer scale of his crimes?”

So, has the MADANI government, led by Prime Minister Anwar, forgotten its reformist roots or is it just smart and meticulous politicking to manage the political climate and maintain stability? 

We speak to Pushpan Murugiah, who’s the CEO of Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4). 


In this episode,we discuss:

  • The framing of Najib's reduced sentence as a human rights issue.

  • The political challenges faced by the MADANI government. How to strike a balance between navigating a large coalition of varying interests and being steadfast in executing the anti-corruption agenda.

  • Why the Prime Minister and his team must communicate with the people in a more transparent way.

  • Does Malaysia need a 1977 Hong Kong-style Amnesty? In 1977, Hong Kong’s newly established ICAC granted amnesty for past corruption to quell police resistance, allowing strict anti-corruption enforcement moving forward.

  • The three key areas of reform the government must implement.

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  politics,  government,  corruption

Tags:  corruption,  anti-corruption,  anwar ibrahim,  najib razak,  1mdb,  src,  madani,  attorney-general’s chambers,  public prosecutor,  reformasi,  institutional reform, 


Latest Podcasts




Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) Co-founders of WonderBrew, Joseph Poh (CEO) and Loke Boon Eng (COO) join us to share their story of transforming a hipster health drink into a mainstream Malaysian beverage.

12:00 PM

Just For Kicks

(REPEAT) The pundits gather around again to discuss English clubs' poor performances in Europe, as well as look ahead to match week 30 of the EPL!

1:00 PM

A Bit of Culture

(REPEAT) Kam and his two guests, Ahmad Yazid and Na'a Murad sit together to talk about life changing events, climbing Mount Everest and James Bond reboot.

2:00 PM

Ringgit & Sense

(REPEAT) Harvindar Singh, Managing Partner of Harvey & Associates talks about individual tax reliefs and tips for filing one's taxes.

2:30 PM

The Property Show

(REPEAT) Sebastian Beltran Cuevas of Verdant Solar explains the costs, savings, and risks of rooftop solar for homeowners.

3:00 PM

Best of The Bigger Picture

(REPEAT) Do you want to be strong or look swole? Do these two always go hand-in-hand? We dive into what building strength means and why it matters for everyone.

4:00 PM

Best of Evening Edition

(REPEAT) The Charm in Malaysia’s Old Flats

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

Tony Juniper, an environmentalist who has worn many hats over the course of his career, speaks to Professor Jim Al-Khalili about his enduring love for nature and hopes for the future.