As campaigning enters its final stretch, the Johor state election has become increasingly dominated by a national issue that has little to do with roads, jobs or local governance: the fate of former prime minister Dato' Seri Najib Razak.
Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has accused those pushing the "Free Najib" narrative of dragging Pakatan Harapan (PH) into an unnecessary state election, arguing that there was no compelling reason for Johor to dissolve its legislative assembly ahead of schedule.
Speaking during a campaign ceramah in Serom, Anwar claimed that certain political forces believed they were strong enough to return to power and eventually secure Najib's release through a royal pardon.
According to Anwar, this was one of the main reasons PH found itself contesting the Johor election.
He maintained that PH's participation was aimed at ensuring political stability through continued cooperation between the state and federal governments, rather than pursuing political confrontation.
Najib pardon becomes unexpected campaign issue
The controversy erupted after Najib's son, Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, suggested that a landslide victory for Barisan Nasional (BN) would send a strong message that Malaysians still supported his father and hoped the former prime minister would receive a royal pardon.
Nazifuddin stressed that granting a pardon remained the exclusive prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, but argued that a convincing BN victory would demonstrate continued public affection for the "Bossku" figure.
His remarks quickly drew national attention and transformed Najib's legal situation into one of the biggest talking points of the Johor campaign.
Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after his conviction in the SRC International corruption case. His sentence is scheduled to conclude in August 2028 following a reduction granted by the Pardons Board in 2024.
BN distances itself from Najib narrative
However, BN chairman Dato' Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi rejected suggestions that the coalition was using Najib's imprisonment as an election issue.
Zahid insisted that discussions about a royal pardon were unrelated to the Johor election and reiterated that any decision rested solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
A similar position was taken by veteran Umno leader and Sembrong MP Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who described attempts to connect BN's electoral performance with Najib's possible release as illogical.
According to Hishammuddin, the electoral process and the royal pardon process are entirely separate constitutional matters.
Responding to Nazifuddin's remarks, Hishammuddin attributed them to youthful inexperience and urged younger politicians to focus on serving the nation rather than advancing personal political narratives.
He also cautioned politicians against exploiting race and religion during the campaign, saying Johor's tradition of moderation and multiracial harmony should continue to guide political discourse.
Muhyiddin also rejects the link
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin likewise questioned why the Johor election should be associated with Najib's legal fate.
Speaking at a campaign event in Gersik, Muhyiddin reminded supporters that Najib had already been convicted by the courts and asked what the state election had to do with a possible royal pardon.
Muhyiddin, who was dismissed as deputy prime minister in 2015 after raising concerns over the 1MDB scandal, argued that state elections should remain focused on choosing a state government rather than revisiting criminal convictions.
His position echoed comments by PKR deputy secretary-general Aidi Amin Yazid, who said elections should never become platforms for reinterpreting judicial decisions or deciding personal legal matters.
Anwar raises concerns over polling date
Beyond the Najib controversy, Anwar also questioned the timing of the Johor election.
He argued that holding polling in the middle of the month would make it more difficult for Johoreans working outside the state to return home to vote, potentially reducing voter turnout.
State elections, he noted, traditionally record lower participation because many out-of-state voters choose not to make the journey home.
Anwar also reiterated his commitment to clean governance, declaring that he would willingly step down as prime minister if someone else could better eradicate corruption and safeguard public funds.
As polling day approaches, what was expected to be a campaign centred on Johor's future has instead evolved into a broader national debate over corruption, political accountability and whether the legacy of Najib Razak should continue to shape Malaysia's political landscape.
The differing responses from PH, BN and the opposition suggest that while many leaders agree a royal pardon is constitutionally separate from an election, the issue has nevertheless become one of the defining narratives of the Johor campaign.
By: Kpost
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