Whether he goes for the prime ministership or not, his base guarantees him a key role in any new government. When a potential pardon takes effect and how much time it leaves him to manoeuvre will be a strong consideration here.
The most strategic move will likely be for Najib to use his influence to boost his sons’ careers and secure his political legacy, instead of challenging Mr Ahmad Zahid. It would be a win-win for both: It will take time for the sons to rise, so if Najib is willing to wait, why not?
MUSIC TO MUHYIDDIN YASSIN’S EARS
For Mr Muhyiddin, the prospect of Najib making a comeback will be music to his ears. Someone who can split UMNO could precipitate the fall of the unity government.
One complication is bad history between the two men. Mr Muhyiddin will never forget he was sacked from UMNO in 2016 by Najib. But in Malaysian politics, the overriding objective always trumps personal animosity.
My Muhyiddin’s immediate problem is stop his own assemblymen from unofficially defecting to Mr Anwar’s side, so courting Najib to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) may change the whole political scene.
However, this is unlikely to happen. Najib will not join Bersatu unless the party can offer him a clear path back into power and that will not happen as long as Mr Muhyiddin still fancies himself a prospective prime minister.