The Malaysian Insight

NAJIB Razak’s conviction in the SRC International Sdn Bhd trial may have several outcomes for Umno and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s future, political analysts said.

On the one hand, the former prime minister’s conviction could potentially strengthen Ismail’s position, but it could also mean the end for Umno’s court cluster.

Umno grassroots supporters were, however, of the view that there would be no changes within the party despite yesterday’s decision.

Political analyst Oh Ei Sun said the decision in Najib’s case would have no bearing on Umno.

“No, it won’t affect Umno,” Oh told The Malaysian Insight.

“There is still the pardon process, and Najib is adroitly shaping his image as a politically persecuted victim.”

Yesterday, the Federal Court in a unanimous decision, quashed Najib’s appeal and upheld his sentence in the SRC International case.

The apex court ordered the Pekan lawmaker to begin his 12-year jail sentence immediately.

In addition to this, the former prime minister would have to pay a RM210 million fine in default of another five years of imprisonment.

The five-person apex court bench was chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. The other bench members were Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and senior judges P Nallini, Mary Lim Thiam Suan, and Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah.

On July 28, 2020, then High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, who has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal, sentenced Najib to 10 years in prison on each of the three counts of criminal breach of trust and each of the three counts of money laundering, and 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine, in default of five years in prison, in the case of abuse of power.

Last year, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision and dismissed Najib’s appeal to set aside his conviction and sentence.

Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar, a political analyst from the International Islamic University of Malaysia, said whether or not Najib’s conviction would have any effect would depend on who controlled the narrative.

“If let’s say Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi takes it as unfair and blames the judiciary for this, and Umno members choose to support this narrative, it could actually strengthen Najib and Zahid’s support base,” Tunku Mohar said.

“If, however, the one who controls the narrative projects this as a virtue where Ismail upholds the independence of the judiciary, this would cause support for Ismail to increase.”

James Chin of the University of Tasmania was, however, of the view that Najib’s conviction would be beneficial to Ismail.

“With the guilty verdict, Najib and Zahid’s group will be out and Ismail can call an election and will likely end up as party president (and as PM),” Chin said.

No effect on Umno

Mustapha Yaakub, the secretary-general of the Umno Veterans’ Club said if anything, the court’s decision would only strengthen Umno.

“There is no impact on Umno. It will be even stronger,” Mustapha said.

“Analysts predict that Ismail will be able to consolidate power and cause Umno to split, but they are often wrong.

“Umno members are more politically mature. They are not leader-centric but party-centric.”

Pokok Sena Umno division chief Said Ali echoed the sentiment, but cautioned that there could be a shift in public opinion on how Najib was treated by the court.

“There is no impact on Umno although he was not given a chance to defend himself,” Ali said.

“While I cannot comment on the judiciary, from what I observe, it didn’t seem like he was given a fair chance.”

Ali said it remained to be seen whether the conviction would have an impact on Ismail.

“Najib still has millions of supporters on social media.

“We have lost a person who had the knowledge to debate accusations levelled at Umno,” he added. – August 24, 2022.