Mahathir says in Malaysia criminals go free

(Malaysiakini) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad has alleged that the rule of law is no longer being applied in view of several high profile corruption cases dropped by prosecutors in recent months.

The former premier said the corruption charges were made based on existing laws.

“All these are in accordance with the law. (But) criminals can go unpunished. Crimes can be committed without fearing the law,” he wrote on his Chedet blog.

Mahathir cited three recent examples, without naming the individuals involved.

“It is completely legal and in accord with the rule of law. Maybe later even a man convicted of stealing millions of government money will be pardoned. This too would be according to the law,” he added.

The nonagenarian said the law is an essential component of democracy but is currently being applied in a manner which cannot be considered democratic or just.

However, during Mahathir’s time as prime minister, several high profile criminal cases were dropped as well.

This included the corruption trial involving his then finance minister Lim Guan Eng and several sedition trials of other Pakatan Harapan politicians.