KUALA LUMPUR – Umno veteran Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad underscored the critical importance of defending the national judicial system and preventing it from falling under any shadow of suspicion, particularly stemming from acts of “loser’s revenge”.
Shahrir pointed out that the “revenge of the losers” phenomenon could lead to a continuous cycle of vindictiveness when those previously in opposition come into power.
Without directly naming any party, he reflected on the post-14th general election (GE14) scenario when he faced charges related to the alleged failure to declare RM1 million received from Datuk Seri Najib Razak through a check to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
“After the 14th general election, I told the press that I am not afraid of the loser’s revenge because the loser usually harbours resentment but lacks the power to act on it. However, when we, the winners, assume power and harbour feelings of revenge, the situation becomes perilous.
Shahrir said this when launching his new book, titled “Dendam Orang Menang: Melawan Pendakwaan Terpilih” (Revenge of the Victorious: Fighting Selective Prosecution), today, alongside another book titled “Keputusan Akhir: Dari Pekan ke Penjara” (Final Verdict: From Pekan to Prison), written by Ariff Lias.
Shahrir’s book delves into the challenges he encountered in his political career and his fight against accusations of failing to account for RM1 million received from Najib through a check with the IRB.
“Dendam Orang Menang narrates my courtroom experience, highlighting unique and unusual accusations where an agency assumes authority over another government body without expertise in the taxation act.
“For me, it’s crucial to adhere to the principle that the judicial system must be staunchly defended and kept free from any suspicion. Despite this, numerous incidents have transpired since GE14, prompting me to title my book Dendam Orang Menang,” he explained.
Shahrir also expressed the view that the role of the law goes beyond mere punishment or accusation.
The former Johor Bahru MP said this when sharing his insights on the current state of the Malaysian judicial system, drawing from his political experience and addressing the ongoing issue of former prime minister Najib’s bid for a pardon, during his book launch today.
Addressing queries about the judiciary at the launch, Shahrir emphasised the importance of aligning with the intended objectives of the laws in question.
“The law is not solely designed to punish or level accusations against anyone deemed or perceived (as a convict) by the authorities’ interpretation,” he said.
Shahrir also reflected on his resignation from his parliamentary post in 1988 due to his dissatisfaction with the dismissal of Tun Salleh Abas as chief justice, which led to him contesting as an independent in the subsequent by-election.
He said his aim at the time was to reinforce the political perspectives and understanding of the voters in Johor Bahru and across the nation.
Highlighting Salleh’s dismissal, Shahrir cited it as an instance of unfair actions within the judicial system during the 1987 constitutional crisis, where Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was then prime minister, allegedly deviated from proper procedure.
During the book launch, Shahrir mentioned the efforts made by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, a former law minister, to establish a commission for the appointment of judges, aiming to ensure a fair judicial system.
“The purpose is to ascertain that the appointment process and our judicial system can be determined through a systematic and methodical approach,” he explained.
Shahrir also asserted his belief that the judiciary is an authority that must be protected.
“At times, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves to uphold justice, especially in the face of prosecutorial actions against me,” he said.
“I perceive the strength of the law from my standpoint as a politician.” – February 3, 2024
