Najib’s house arrest could reshape Umno-PH dynamics ahead of polls, says pundit

Dato Peter Minos

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 20: The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest can be seen as a political challenge for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and a political boost for Umno, says pundit Dato Peter Minos

In a statement, he said that Najib is not just a former prime minister, but also the son of former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein as well as a former leader within Umno.

“He is a former Umno president and one of Malaysia’s most prominent political newsmakers. He remains a deeply controversial figure.

“For Umno, Najib’s release from prison to house arrest is major news, and a welcome development. To many Umno members, he remains ‘Bossku’—a figure they continue to admire and support, regardless of what others may think of him.

“Within Umno, Najib is seen by some as a prodigal son who lost his way and was subsequently subjected to much criticism and political hardship. That is the perception among his supporters,” he said.

Minos added that there is little doubt that Najib’s return to the political scene could have an impact on Umno’s morale and political fortunes, seeing as the party’s determination to fight in the coming Melaka election and the next general election could also be strengthened.

However, for PH, he said Najib’s return to house arrest presents a political challenge, as the coalition is unlikely to welcome the prospect of Najib helping revive the fortunes of its long-standing rival.

“The question now is what PH can do. The government cannot simply reverse the pardon, as it was granted under the constitutional powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Any attempt to disregard or undermine such a decision would raise serious constitutional issues.

“Najib is also pursuing legal challenges related to his conviction and sentence in the 1MDB case. That remains an issue that his political opponents can raise. However, further legal proceedings could take years and may extend beyond the next general election,” he said.

He also brought forward the question of how voters in Peninsular Malaysia will view Najib’s return.

Minos explained that some may view him as a former leader who did much for them but made serious mistakes, served time in prison, and has now paid a price for those mistakes.

“For such voters, the issue may increasingly become one of forgiveness and whether the past should continue to define him. But ultimately, the impact of Najib’s return can only be tested at the ballot box.

“The next general election is expected to be held sometime next year. Whether Najib can once again become a significant rallying figure remains to be seen. Only time, and ultimately the voters, will tell,” he said. — DayakDaily