LETTER | When the High  Court called former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak to make his defence on abuse of power and corruption charges, his legal eagle uttered that his client is shocked, casting aspersions on Malaysia's justice system.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on learning that Najib is shocked, responded that he is also shocked that Najib is shocked.

Perhaps what our leaders and political wannabees need to contend with is the fact that this small nation of people are all shocked, too.

In summary, here are the key aspects of why the nation is shocked.

Shocked that it took so long to deny a politician facing court action all the perks that come with the package of having been a prime minister.

Shocked that despite the presiding judge honouring the medical reason and calling off a scheduled hearing, Najib cooly presents himself in public - canvassing for votes.

Shocked that despite other destinations of jurisdiction the world over seizing, confiscating and levying fines on the 1MDB related forfeiture and freezing of bank accounts, 'Malu Apa BossKu' has caught on as a celebrated fad among some segments of Malaysians, and rooting too.

Shocked that Najib relishes in this 'Malu Apa BossKu' propaganda.

Shocked that even in a countdown by-election, Najib and his coterie are professing the tale of the proverbial three monkeys.

And we are shocked that Mahathir is shocked only now.

Shocked because, if a commoner stole a tin of milk, the law would have bitten hard and fast.

Shocked because, despite the world not absolving the criminal acts that knitted the 1MDB debacle, our rule of law is being insulted, ridiculed and even made a mockery of by some legal eagle, his client and some within the bandwagon of the derailed Barisan Nasional party.

Shocked that when Mahathir has no qualms about allowing Sosma to bite a dozen citizens, the world's biggest heist is taking so long to draw the curtains.

So we are all shocked that both the current and former prime ministers of Malaysia are shocked.

And if this letter does not get to see print, we will, in all probability, not be shocked.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.