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

Analysts suggest that the settlement of former prime minister Najib Razak's RM50 million fine could lift the spirits of Barisan Nasional members ahead of the Melaka polls. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara asserts that Umno grassroots, both in Melaka and nationwide, are content with the party's efforts to allow Najib to serve his sentence under house arrest.

The Umno-led solidarity fund was launched on September 18 following Najib's conditional pardon. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting views this development as a "blessing in disguise" for the party, potentially enabling them to function independently without relying on other coalitions. The Umno settlement of the fine enables Najib to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest.

However, the Attorney-General's Chambers has requested a delay in the house arrest until a review of the conditional pardon and the High Court discharge order is carried out. Analysts warn that Pakatan Harapan could face a challenging situation in Melaka if Najib is under house arrest while the coalition governs the unity government.

The greatest threat to PH might not be a sudden shift in voter allegiance but rather political fatigue and indifference among supporters.