TWO Jan 6 events, two different corners of the world. In Washington D.C. on that date – forever etched in memory in 2021 – democracy came under siege as supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, attempting to overturn the results of a legitimate election after he lost his first term in power to Joe Biden.
As Malaysia approaches Jan 6, 2025 in barely 24 hours, that infamous day resound with a solidarity rally for disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The rally was originally an UMNO brainchild before arch-rival PAS lent its support — that is, until UMNO’s top brass officially disavowed it late Friday (Jan 3) which is less than three days into the much-hyped event.
UMNO’s decision to pull out of the rally followed a rare statement by Istana Negara and advice from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The party has since pledged to respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s (YDPA) prerogative on matters of clemency and abide by established constitutional procedures.
However, cracks in the façade of unity are evident. Despite the official stance, many within UMNO, including its Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, have signalled their unwavering personal support for Najib.
Dr Akmal has confirmed his attendance in his individual capacity – a move that underscores Najib’s enduring influence within the party.
Najib’s “Bossku” persona – a populist construct that paints him as a man of the people despite his corruption convictions – continues to galvanise loyalty.
Rally to trigger a flashpoint?
The rally may no longer bear the UMNO banner but the shadow of its rank-and-file members will loom large in Putrajaya – specifically, the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
Meanwhile, PAS has declared its unwavering commitment to proceed with the rally, couching it as a peaceful assembly to defend the King’s prerogative powers and Najib’s right to seek justice. This framing – while constitutional on the surface – belies deeper implications.
Much like the Capitol rioters who insisted Trump’s election was “stolen”, Najib’s supporters claim his conviction was unjust, casting aspersions on the judiciary.
The parallels are unnerving: populist narratives weaponised to stoke passions, grievances turned into rallying cries, and public sentiment manipulated to pressure institutions.
Even with Istana Negara’s firm reminder to respect constitutional procedures, the rally risks becoming a flashpoint for undermining Malaysia’s political equilibrium.
As in Washington where an angry mob ignored constitutional processes in the name of a false cause, Malaysia too, must tread carefully.
This Jan 6 is not just about Najib’s judicial review or his bid for house arrest – it’s about safeguarding the sanctity of our public institutions.
Mobilising for a convicted leader – no matter how popular – threatens to erode the public’s trust in the rule of law and weaken institutional independence.
Whether in Washington or Putrajaya, institutional integrity must be defended at all cost. We have no room for political leaders who prioritise personal interests over national stability.
The lessons are clear: our institutions must never be held hostage by populism or mob rule. – Jan 5, 2025
Main image credit: vanakkammalaysiadotcom/Instagram
