Political analysts say Transport Minister Anthony Loke should remain in Cabinet following his resignation offer over Najib Razak’s house arrest to prevent Umno from gaining greater sway.
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak could once again become a factor in the battle for the Malay vote, with his conditional house arrest potentially giving Umno fresh leverage to rebuild ties with PAS ahead of GE16, said Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar.
He said the former prime minister had his own political relationships and enjoyed a degree of acceptance among some PAS supporters.
“Najib was among the key leaders who pioneered efforts to unite Umno and PAS, which eventually gave rise to Muafakat Nasional.
“The Malay-Muslim unity narrative that he previously championed also continues to have appeal among the grassroots of both parties,” he told theSun.
With Najib potentially serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest if the conditions are met, Hisomuddin said the greater space for communication and political engagement could provide fresh impetus to efforts to revive the understanding between Umno and PAS.
“The decision is expected to provide a significant morale boost to Umno members and supporters throughout the country.
“Najib has extraordinary influence among the party’s grassroots, particularly through the Bossku image he developed after GE14.”
He said the development could also reunite groups within Umno that had previously been disappointed or passive, while helping revive its grassroots machinery and restore confidence among traditional supporters ahead of GE16.
Hisomuddin said if the increase in morale is followed by Najib’s ability to bring Umno and PAS closer together again, it could produce a different political configuration at GE16.
“The unification or understanding between the two parties could potentially reduce clashes between them and strengthen the consolidation of Malay votes.”
He said this would not only alter Umno’s position but could also present a greater challenge to PH.
He added that the development, however, does not necessarily mean formal cooperation between Umno and Perikatan Nasional, as relations between Umno and Bersatu remain more complicated.
“Both continue to compete in the same areas and among the same segments of Malay voters.”
Hisomuddin said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had moved quickly to mobilise donations to help Najib meet the RM50 million fine, which demonstrates the party leadership’s commitment to Najib and its grassroots.
International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Umno is now more focused on the next general election and forming the next government than on the Unity government.
“This decision strengthens Umno as it prepares for campaigning, as it can say it succeeded with Najib and can do more if it forms the next government.”
Syaza said Umno is also at a crossroads over whether to work with PAS or go solo in GE16.
