“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house…” (Proverbs 15:27a NKJ)

Earlier this week, the former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, went to prison to commence a 12-year sentence for criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and seven counts of abuse of power. He illegally received $9.8 million from SRC International and is still facing other charges and trials, along with his wife, Rosmah, for looting a development fund to the tune of $4.5 billion which “disappeared”. Much of this was eventually traced to the purchase of mansions, a yacht, million-dollar art, and the financing of a Hollywood blockbuster film (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

It appears to be a victory for the rule of law in Malaysia where the 65 percent Malay Muslim majority (so-called “sons of the soil”) still hold sway for preferences in employment, education, and housing over Chinese and Indian citizens. This outdated and cruel affirmative action program has rightly given Malaysia the reputation that talent remains their largest export.

However, even among this majority, ill will has been brewing for years with demands for a “bersih” (“clean” in Malay) government. Not wanting to give up, Mr. Razak tried to remove the chief justice the day before the verdict and stated that her husband had criticized him on social media and that it could lead to bias. His final appeal was a prayer to “Allah” protesting his innocence.

Some Malaysians caution that it’s too early for celebrations. Mr. Razak is still very popular in certain circles, and it’s likely he has bribed numerous officials who will seek his release. In the meantime, it’s reported that he has a private room in the prison with air conditioning and a television – likely working on a plea deal. I can think of several – negotiation of what really became of Pastor Raymond Koh, who was captured by a Malaysian police swat team in 2017 and has never been heard from again. Another unresolved issue is who really ordered the murder and mutilation of the Mongolian model, Altantuya Shaariibuu, (in order to save her $500,000 commission from the submarine deal with France)?

If elections are called in the fall, he might receive a reduced sentence or even a complete pardon. Still, on the surface, it’s encouraging that a developing country in Southeast Asia is allowing their highest court, with their first female chief justice no less, to force a former prime minister to face his judgment day. No doubt other dictators are watching.

It would have behooved Mr. Razak to have followed the advice of the psalmist, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and who do righteousness at all times.” (Psalm 106:3 NKJ)