Settlement of Najib’s fine could boost BN polls morale, say analysts

PENALTY SETTLEMENT MAY BOOST BN MORALE AS ELECTION NEARS

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been granted a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve his jail sentence under house arrest. Analysts believe that resolving the RM50 million fine will uplift Barisan Nasional (BN) morale, particularly ahead of the Melaka polls scheduled for next week. Azmi Hassan, an analyst from Akademi Nusantara, stated that Umno grassroots members are appreciative of Najib's efforts to finish his sentence under house arrest. The BN party also launched a solidarity fund on September 18 to support Najib.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, an analyst from Global Asia Consulting, perceives the settlement as a "blessing in disguise" for the party following the recent confidence and supply agreement between the government coalition and the opposition party, Bersatu. Zaharuddin believes that UMNO's actions could empower the party to function independently without relying on other coalitions.

While the agreement may weaken BN's bargaining power in Putrajaya, it could spark grassroots political survival instincts, according to Zaharuddin.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) faces potential challenges in Melaka due to a demoralized voter base, if Najib is placed under house arrest while the coalition holds the unity government. Analysts warn that PH's greatest danger may not be a sudden voter shift to BN or PAS, but rather political fatigue, declining enthusiasm, and supporters choosing to abstain from voting. Younger, urban voters, who once supported PH as a vehicle for political reforms, may be particularly affected.