PN’s Propaganda and Najib’s “House Arrest”: A Desperate Bid to Topple Anwar’s Government?
15 Jan 2025 • 1:30 PM MYT
Photo Credit: jalinluin , focusmalaysia
In what appears to be a calculated move, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is leveraging the controversial "house arrest" rumors surrounding Dato' Seri Najib Razak to destabilize the unity government led by Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Analysts warn that such political maneuvers may not only backfire on PN but could also disgust voters who are already weary of political instability.
The Propaganda at Play
The recent uproar began with allegations of an addendum order allowing Najib to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest.
PAS leaders, such as the party’s Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria, seized on the issue to criticize Anwar’s administration. Additionally, Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabar called for those responsible for hiding the said order as constitute treason.
Opposition leader Dato' Seri Hamzah Zainudin went as far as accusing Anwar of concealing the alleged order, labeling it an act of treason. This narrative has been fueled further by PAS’s call for its supporters to “inform” the public through social media campaigns.
However, analysts like Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya and Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara have described these tactics as “cheap” and “nauseating.” They argue that rather than promoting political stability, PN’s actions perpetuate the very volatility that voters are desperate to leave behind.
Bersatu’s Dilemma
Adding to PN’s internal strife is the divided stance within Bersatu on Najib’s case. Some Bersatu leaders, including Hamzah Zainudin and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, attended a rally supporting Najib, raising questions about the party’s consistency on its anti-corruption platform. Mahathir Rais, Bersatu’s federal territories secretary, resigned shortly after the rally, accusing the party of political opportunism.
Tawfik Yaakub warned that Bersatu’s failure to take a firm stance on Najib could further alienate its members, potentially leading to defections or even a split within the party. This division highlights the broader challenge for PN in balancing its anti-corruption narrative (Prihatin, Bersih, Stabil) with its recent overtures to Umno, Najib’s political base.
The Impact on Malaysia’s Political Landscape
Ariff Aizuddin emphasized that PN’s schemes to topple the government could derail Malaysia’s economic recovery, deter investors, and erode public confidence. He called for a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on educating the public about policies rather than resorting to divisive propaganda.
Tawfik echoed this sentiment, drawing comparisons to Indonesia’s peaceful political transitions under Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto. He urged Malaysian politicians to learn from their counterparts in fostering unity and stability.
The Bigger Picture
PN’s attempts to destabilize the government through propaganda and political theatrics reveal a deeper struggle within the coalition. As PAS continues its push to unseat Anwar, Bersatu risks losing credibility and cohesion. These dynamics highlight the fragility of PN’s alliance and its reliance on short-term political gains at the expense of long-term stability.
For now, the Anwar administration remains steadfast, focusing on economic growth and governance. However, the ongoing turmoil serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Malaysia faces in navigating its political future.
Voters, analysts suggest, may ultimately reject these power plays in favor of leaders who prioritize stability and progress.
By: Kpost
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kt comments:
PAS, fueled by its recent political renaissance (so-called Green Wave) after years of kutu-significance, now possesses an unrealistic overwhelming lust to seize Putrajaya.
In its obsession to gain federal rule, it is additionally propelled by its life-long ambition to turn Malaysia into a complete Syariah-compliant nation, but with a politically still-immature and inexperienced know-how in managing the nation's economy, governance, administration and worst of all, a multi-racial society.
But it doesn't care two hoots, hence its reckless push to destabilise the Madani government even if in that process, burns the entire nation politically, socially and economically.
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