ON Jan 6, thousands of members from incarcerated former premier MIC and PPP are expected to join a rally organised by UMNO who is calling for the release of incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The rally – also supported by PAS – signals a potential political re-alignment despite longstanding differences between PAS and UMNO.
While seemingly an act of solidarity, PAS’ strategic participation may reflect a calculated move to erode UMNO’s dwindling Malay voter base.
As UMNO’s influence among Malays has been declining, PAS appears to view this as an opportunity to consolidate support.
Critics liken PAS’s actions to “a wolf shedding tears for a drenched sheep”, suggesting its motives are far from altruistic.
For PAS, its participation carries minimal risk but substantial potential rewards. Strengthening ties with UMNO could pave the way for a future alliance which could pose challenges to the current unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Concerns from DAP
DAP has expressed unease over this collaboration. While immediate concerns revolve around the rally, the broader fear is the emergence of a PAS-UMNO political pact.
Such a partnership could lead to the formation of a Malay-centric government, thus sidelining the DAP and threatening its multi-racial ethos.
As for MIC, the party claims that it will mobilise thousands of Indians to the rally, a portrayal of Najib as a victim of injustice.
This stance ignores the extensive legal process that resulted in Najib’s conviction. While some MIC members view Najib favourably for his perceived accessibility during his tenure, his contributions to marginalised Indian communities were limited.
MIC’s motives appear less about justice for Najib and more about seeking relevance in a shifting political landscape.
Having been sidelined by the Madani government, MIC’s participation may be an attempt to position itself within a potential new coalition.
This brings us to the larger agenda. The “Solidarity with Najib” rally transcends Najib’s immediate legal predicament. It serves as a platform to de-stabilise the Madani government and explore a new political arrangement.
A strengthened UMNO-PAS alliance could not only challenge Anwar’s leadership but also potentially secure Najib’s pardon in the future.
The question remains whether DAP and other components of the current coalition can withstand the pressures of this evolving political landscape.
As the rally approaches, its implications for Malaysia’s political future loom large.
Key takeaways:
- PAS’s involvement may indicate deeper political ambitions to weaken UMNO’s base.
- MIC’s participation appears driven by a quest for political survival rather than justice for Najib.
- The rally reflects broader efforts to unsettle the Madani government, possibly paving the way for a new coalition.
- A UMNO-PAS pact could spell trouble for multi-racial parties like DAP.
This rally could mark the beginning of significant political shifts in Malaysia with implications extending far beyond Najib’s case. – Jan 3, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Najib Razak/Facebook
