Najib's house arrest stirs voter concerns as BN-PN alliance faces test at Melaka polls

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak's conditional pardon has stirred concerns over preferential treatment among voters, though analysts predict the BN-PN alliance may gain more influence in the Melaka state polls. In Melaka, Albert, a cendol stallholder in the historic town center, expressed shock upon learning of Najib's house arrest privilege, stating that normal Malaysians or other convicts would not have received such treatment.

With Melaka voting on Nov 14, Albert believed voters could still express their dissatisfaction at the polls. The controversy also exposed divisions within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, with Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general Anthony Loke resigning in protest and Amanah party president Mohamad Sabu pledging his ministerial salary to ensure fair treatment for prisoners.

Najib, convicted in a corruption case involving SRC International, received a conditional royal pardon to serve the remainder of his six-year sentence under house arrest after paying a fine. This move has reignited debates on unequal treatment under the law and sparked fresh political recriminations. Some voters CNA spoke to said the controversy could influence their choices, while others emphasized other factors like picking a representative who can address local issues and contribute to state development.