CAPITALISING ON UNCERTAINTY
As Malaysia watches this political crisis unfold, did Najib, who when stood at the height of authority, engineer a return that reshapes the region’s political landscape? Or does his request for home arrest turn out to be his most successful campaign on the political stage in Malaysia?
Najib appears to be capitalising on the confusion. Najib is aware that chaotic elections can make for the ideal setting for biblical returns, especially during times of crisis.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Najib carefully orchestrated his common picture, steering discussions on financial issues on social media platforms. He blasted the current government for downplaying the effects of the pandemic and dismissing a potential financial downturn while riding on hatred on the ground.
He was praised for” committed to contributing his day, strength, and thoughts as a team for the sake of the Malaysian Family” during a meeting with then-prime secretary Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Despite his constitutional issues, many still view his career as a period of relative wealth.
While Malaysia’s economic indicators have been improving- improve estimates on Friday ( Jan 17 ) show GDP rose 5.1 per share in 2024 over 2023’s 3.6 per share- stagnant wages, poverty and a lack of high-paying work reflect development considerations.
Although not exclusive to Malaysia, there are numerous instances of officials regaining power in a time of conflict and discord.
The election in November in the United States is yet another illustration of how, despite doubt, people frequently gravitate toward well-known characters who have a stronger past, whether real or imagined.
For Najib, this worldwide tendency toward nostalgia may prove to be a potent tool in his campaign for democratic rebirth, possible allowing for a dramatic comeback to Malaysian politics.
Dr. Sophie Lemiere, a political anthropologist with a focus on South Asian and Indonesian politics, has worked as a researcher and educator at leading universities in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. She is now a Research Fellow at College de France in Paris as well as an Complement Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington.