Analysts' review of the conditional pardon for Najib

 

The conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak has been described by analysts as a 'political compromise' for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN, with neither coalition in the government likely able to claim an 'absolute victory' as a result of the decision.

That is according to a Malaysiakini report today after interviewing several local scholars who are considered political analysts in the country.

Dr. Tawfik Yaakub from Universiti Malaya emphasized that Najib did not receive a full pardon or "immediate freedom," given that he must serve the remainder of his prison sentence until August 23, 2028, while his house arrest is subject to the payment of a hefty fine of RM50 million.

Given that Najib's conviction in the SRC International case—which is linked to the 1MDB global financial scandal—is not "automatically erased," Tawfik argues that the conditional nature of the pardon provides political room for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) to manage public reaction.

UMNO, he said, can claim that there is "progress" in their efforts to ensure justice for the former party president, while PH can assert that Najib was neither acquitted of the charges nor granted "unconditional freedom."

"In the short term, I do not expect this decision alone to bring down the unity government.

"The greater risk lies in how the parties interpret the decision; whether UMNO views it as a political victory over PH, or if PH leaders openly challenge the constitutional process, (which could cause) existing tensions within the government to worsen," added the senior lecturer.

Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (UM), Dr. Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub.

Previously, the media reported that top PH (Pakatan Harapan) leaders were scheduled to meet at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's office in Putrajaya at around 5:30pm this afternoon.

Sources state that the meeting—which is expected to involve Anwar as PH Chairman, DAP Secretary-General Encik Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu—will discuss the latest developments regarding Najib's pardon application.

Remains a risk to Anwar's support

Tawfik said that although the decision reached in the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting this morning could be considered a "significant morale booster" for UMNO in its efforts to unite Najib's loyalists behind the current party leadership, PH might face greater hurdles among its own supporters.

Specifically, Tawfik referred to Pakatan Harapan's (PH) reaffirmation of its stance on September 9 that individuals convicted in high-profile cases involving corruption and abuse of power "must serve their full sentence as determined by the court."

Reform-minded (PH) supporters might interpret 'house arrest' as special treatment for influential political figures, (which) could weaken PH's anti-corruption narrative and give room for the opposition to question the Madani government's consistency.

"However, Anwar and PH can handle the political criticism by explaining that this is a constitutional process under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, which involves the Federal Territories Pardons Board and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, rather than a unilateral decision by the prime minister or the cabinet," he said.

Therefore, he said PH must respect the constitutional decision while emphasizing that Najib's court conviction remains valid and Putrajaya will continue institutional and anti-corruption reforms.

However, Associate Professor Dr. Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) highlighted that the Federal Territories Pardons Board is comprised of "figures associated with the Madani administration," including the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Madam Hannah Yeoh, and the Attorney General, Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.

Taking into account the presence of both individuals in the board meeting, the political scientist said it is reasonable for the public to question how such a decision could be reached when it risks 'seriously damaging support' for Anwar's government.

Syaza revealed that based on her understanding from certain sources, the push behind the Pardons Board's decision 'came from the highest level, alongside continuous pressure and campaigns from UMNO.'

"There are constitutional limits to the extent to which the government itself can shape or block decisions of this nature. However, the political implications for Anwar and his administration are serious.
Unless the government clearly explains the constitutional process, the roles of the parties involved, and the limits of its power, the public is highly likely to hold the government responsible," she said.

She is of the opinion that although PH might try to portray the decision as an act of pardon to recognize Najib’s previous 'contributions' as prime minister—rather than an acquittal from his conviction—such an approach may not be enough for the coalition's supporters.

This is because, according to her, part of Pakatan Harapan's (PH) campaign and its success in the 2018 General Election was driven by the pledge to overthrow Najib and those regarded as kleptocrats.
However, Dr. Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia takes a more optimistic stance on this matter; he believes that the tension between PH and UMNO—which has seemed to reach a boiling point recently—might subside following today's decision.

 "I believe PH will cooperate (to smooth the implementation of the board's decision) and it is hoped that this issue will no longer be debated.

"Considering that (Najib) needs to pay a RM50 million fine before being allowed to undergo house arrest, this decision might even help ease any tension between PH and UMNO," he said.

End©Permadu

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