Analysts warn there are political motives behind support for Najib

Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said some in Umno may be trying to exploit Najib Razak’s support among the grassroots for their own benefit.

(FMT) – Although several UMNO leaders expressed support for Najib Razak at the recent party congress, a political analyst warned that some of them may not have entirely sincere motives in doing so.

Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, a former executive at BowerGroupAsia, acknowledged that the former prime minister was still well-loved within Umno, attributing his popularity among the party rank and file and the Malay public to his “boss” image.

“Ironically, his imprisonment has made him more popular with his supporters. I think many Umno leaders were shocked to see their former leader in jail, and they showed their sincerity.

“However, it cannot be denied that the support for Najib could also be politically motivated due to his popularity among the party grassroots,” he told FMT.

Asrul also said support for Najib was an “important check” on current Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is trying to tighten his control over the party.

However, he said Zahid – who appeared to choke up while dedicating a poem to Najib on Saturday – would not actually push for his former boss to be released from prison.

“Najib will certainly weaken his leadership position within the party. Even if Zahid continues to be Umno president, many will see Najib as the real source of power within the party.

“To his supporters, Najib is the only leader who can unite the party and regain the support of the Malay voters and, most importantly, the Umno members who have left,” he said.

Najib’s name was mentioned several times at the Umno general assembly last week, with top leaders pledging to do all they can to secure a royal pardon for the former party president.

At the end of the annual meeting, Zahid published a poem in praise of his “friend”, praising Najib’s contributions to the country and Umno.

In February this year, the Federal Territory Pardons Board halved Najib’s jail term in the SRC International case from 12 years to six years and reduced his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Najib, 71, who faces three ongoing criminal cases, began serving his sentence in Kajang Prison on Aug 23, 2022 and is due to be released on Aug 23, 2028.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Najib’s popularity and influence in UMNO were certain and he would be cheered by the grassroots when he was released from prison.

“Anyone who pushed for Najib’s release, including Zahid, would be seen as a hero, whether during or outside the Umno congress, because Umno members felt that Najib was not treated very fairly despite going through the legal process.

“If Najib is released from jail, UMNO will undoubtedly be stronger and more likely to gain Malay support. Whether Najib holds a position in UMNO or just plays a role behind the scenes, his presence will be good for UMNO,” he said.