FOR urbanites, Najib Razak is a villain who brought Malaysia into debt which the country is struggling to pay and who robbed its institutions of integrity.

But to rural folk, especially Malays, the former prime minister represents quite the opposite.

To those living in the hinterland, Najib is a caring leader who looks after the little people with cash aid and subsidies.

Political scientist Dr Mazlan Ali said it is this appeal that has allowed him back into the Barisan Nasional coalition as an adviser.

It is why BN now deems him an asset even though he was responsible for its historic downfall in the 14th general election.

More than a year after the shock defeat, the Pekan MP has reinvented himself as a man of the people through his “Malu Apa Bossku” roadshow, to which voters disappointed with Pakatan Harapan have flocked.

Najib also has the biggest social media presence among BN leaders. He has 4.13 million followers on Twitter and 3.88 million following him on Facebook.  

He has also used his three decades of experience in the government to poke holes in PH’s policies, said analyst Mohd Azlan Zainal.

“Najib is seen as being more sensitive and strategic in positioning himself compared to other Umno leaders who are more interested in playing up race and religious issues,” said Azlan of think-tank Ilham Centre.  

“His appointment as BN adviser is the correct move for the coalition as he knows the twists and turns of government. Also, other opposition parties, specifically, PAS, has accepted Umno and are willing to forgive Najib.”

Other analysts, such as Dr James Chin of the University of Tasmania, disagreed that Najib is an asset just because he has a large social media following.

“(He is) a liability. Most people accept that he was responsible for the 1MDB scandal. Social media is not real life,” said Chin, referring to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), the state fund that was Najib’s brainchild and from which he allegedly stole RM50 billion.

Najib faces multiple criminal charges over 1MDB’s missing funds.

Anti-graft authorities have initiated court action to seize RM270 million of 1MDB funds that Najib allegedly siphoned off and distributed among individuals and parties linked to BN. The bulk of the money allegedly went to Umno. 

From liability to sympathy figure

Yet despite Najib’s ongoing high-profile trial for corruption and power abuse in connection with SRC International, BN believe its new advisory board chairmtan can help it to regain the people’s confidence.  

To the low-income segment of the Malay population, Najib’s alleged crimes are forgivable as he was a “generous” patron who gave them plenty of aid, said Mazlan of UTM.   

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has repeatedly mocked Najib for his “cash is king” approach to politics.  

But the poor think quite differently of Najib’s largesse.

“During Najib’s time, they got all sorts of aid and subsidies. But now during PH’s time, rubber prices are down and the aid and subsidies have dried up,” Mazlan said.

“To these people, Najib’s corruption cases are his personal issues. What’s important is that he helped them when he was prime minister.”

BN is hoping Najib’s newfound popularity will boost its chances in the next general election, especially in 30 marginal seats with a significant percentage of Malay voters, said Mazlan.  

Ilham Centre’s Azlan said the complexity of Najib’s SRC International trial has been a blessing for the accused.

Many do not understand court procedures and that the wheels of justice in this case are moving slowly and carefully to ensure a fair trial

“Some are questioning why it is taking so long to take action when PH is in power. So the question is, is Najib really guilty or not?  

Coupled with the “Malu Apa Bossku” roadshows designed to burnish his image, Azlan said Najib could further push the idea that his corruption charges were politically motivated.

“PH needs to immediately start serving the people, showing it is sensitive to religious and economic issues and fulfil its promises instead of just blaming Najib, because the reality is, Najib has lost,” said Azlan.  

“If PH fails in this, he said, public perception of Najib could quickly change from liability to persecuted figure.” – July 11, 2019.