DEAR Johoreans: In the recently concluded state election, you gave Barisan Nasional (BN) a strong mandate to govern Johor for five years. Nobody can fault you for choosing BN over Pakatan Harapan (PH).
But you must have heard that UMNO had framed the election as a kind of a referendum on its one-time leader Datuk Seri Najib Razak: a win for BN is a victory for Najib.
As you know, the former premier is behind bars for his despicable role in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case in addition to the colossal IMDB scandal.
It must be stressed that the ex-Pekan MP for 10 terms had received a fair trial in the court of law and was duly convicted. Still, it appears that some quarters in UMNO think their Bossku is an innocent man.
Johoreans, you may harbour fond memories of this man and don’t want to see him languish in prison. Perhaps, you seem to think he has star power and can revive the fortunes of UMNO.
In fact, you may point out that in the 2022 Johor state election, Bossku was the biggest crowd-puller on the campaign trail despite already facing numerous graft convictions then.
So, it follows that his star power can generate the same massive support if he were to be freed just in time for the 16th General Election (GE16).
Nevertheless, we don’t think, Johoreans, you would agree with the contention of one UMNO member that a massive win for BN in your state polls “will send a signal that Johor voters still cherish Bossku and hope that Bossku can be with the people”.
Have faith in Bossku’s conviction
When you went to the polling booths, you certainly did not endorse the idea that your votes were meant not only to elect a new state government but also to free Bossku (through a royal pardon).
You must be aware that the convicted felon is trying his level best to get out of his cell and, in the court of public opinion – Johor polls – his ardent supporters saw an opening for him to wriggle out of his predicament.
You, Johoreans, surely would not stoop so low as to turn an exercise in democracy into a plebiscite on a disgraced leader. Your ballot is sacred and cannot be manipulated to serve the interest of one man who had perpetrated an unforgiveable crime against his country.
In the end, you delivered a massive vote of confidence to BN but UMNO will read into it as an overwhelming support for Bossku. Should he be released, UMNO would profusely thank you for playing a major role in his freedom.
But, Johoreans, you must reject this UMNO script and must categorically re-affirm your belief in the rule of the law that had found Bossku a.k.a. Attila the Hun guilty of corruption and abuse of power.
Your vote is precious and why should you waste it on this unrepentant man who has put Malaysia on the world map for all the wrong reasons.
Johor is the birthplace of UMNO and you must be proud of your political heritage. So tell all those fanatical supporters in UMNO not to turn Johor into a battleground to save one man’s skin.
You have spoken through the ballot box loud and clear that you want BN to continue with its good record to further develop the state solely for the well-being of the rakyat.
As for Bossku, shed no tears for him because Johor is too important a state to bother about a criminal who deserves what he got in the court of legal opinion.
The drumbeat for Bossku’s freedom may continue long after the dust has settled but Johorians, close your ears and proceed with your bigger task of fulfilling your mandate. – July 21, 2026
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
