COMMENT | Like all average Malaysians who love their country, I was flabbergasted by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s partial pardon and wondered if he would get the infamous discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) on his other charges.

But increasingly, it looks like there will be no change to extinguish that ill-fated partial pardon. However, if we move firmly from this and look forward, then we can just about pick up the pieces and leave this episode behind us. But we must not repeat our mistakes.

Yes, I know it’s a long shot, but if the necessary steps to restore confidence are not taken, we have to resort to the ultimate move to get the people up there to make changes, no matter how long it takes - through the polls. The steps are not difficult but require unflinching commitment. Here they are.

1. Let Najib’s partial pardon go

It’s no use pontificating on whether there was an absolute royal prerogative and digging up old wounds, abscesses, and scars. Let’s accept the decision and move forward - yes, you heard right.

Importantly, it will also mean...