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Wednesday, 17 Jun 2020 10:54 AM MYT
BY EMMANUEL SANTA MARIA CHIN
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — The anger and discontentment expressed by Malaysians over a recent decision by the Sessions Court to grant Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for five money-laundering charges is understandable and warranted, said Tun Daim Zainuddin.
The former finance minister, in an interview published by The Malaysian Insight (TMI), asserted the dissatisfaction from the people arose from the inconsistent punishments meted by the courts against those breaking the law.
“The rakyat wants to know why, when you steal Milo you go to jail, but when you steal billions of ringgit, you walk away smiling?
“The rakyat think it is a really good deal for him (Riza).
“He does not have to spend any time behind bars and he is allowed to keep more than RM500 million in stolen money,” Daim was quoted in the report.
The former government adviser also pointed out how the DNAA settlement between Riza Aziz and the government appeared to be more beneficial for the stepson of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, saying the deal appeared lopsided.
“Of course, people are angry. He did not offer any additional repayment — all those properties had already been seized and would have been returned to Malaysia anyway.
“Furthermore, the sum they are bandying about is what those properties are valued at.
“It does not mean that that is the amount they will be auctioned off.
“People would like to know why he is not in jail and why he is allowed to keep more than half of the money he is accused of stealing,” questioned Daim.
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weehingthong 