Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association. Vol 40. No. 7. April 13 1977
Harun to be nailed?
Harun to be nailed?
While the pro-Harun forces were preparing grounds for Harun's return to power by presenting him as a victim of a pro-communist plot, a turn of events took place on February 28, when the Public Prosecutor, Abdul Kadir Yusof, filed an application appealing against the sentence imposed by the High Court on Harun on grounds that it was inadequate.
Harun was earlier this year found guilty of criminal breach of trust involving M$6.5 million while serving as Chairman of Bank Rakyat. He appealed against the sentence and was released on a M$100,000 bail.
Such a legal move by the Public Prosecutor can only be seen in connection with the power struggle within the UMNO hierarchy. It is certainly a move to knock another nail into Harun's coffin to prevent his return to power. Such a decision taken against Harun cannot be without the tacit approval of the Prime Minister, Hussein Onn.
With the so-called pro-Reds being removed from their positions, Harun's clique would either have to point an accusing finger direct at Hussein Onn or to create more scapegoats to save Harun from "further humiliation."
Ref: Straits Times 28 Feb 1977, 1 March 1977.