Najib's house arrest could revive 'Bossku' sentiment, analysts say [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest arrangement could revive his political influence and inject fresh energy into sections of Umno's grassroots, analysts said.

The move could reignite the "Bossku" sentiment and strengthen Najib's role as a symbol and rallying point for traditional supporters, they said, while easing some pressure within Umno over his imprisonment.

But they cautioned that the political impact would not be uniform and could create fresh challenges for the unity government.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the decision could have an immediate psychological effect on Umno members who regard Najib's imprisonment as a longstanding political grievance.

He said Najib retained sentimental value among sections of Umno's grassroots despite having spent years in prison and his return home could improve morale among his supporters.

"The decision gives relief to
Najib's supporters and sections of the Umno grassroots. It could revive the 'Bossku' sentiment and strengthen the feeling among supporters that the party leadership had fought for Najib," he told the New Straits Times.

He said this could allow Umno to move beyond the prolonged
focus on Najib's imprisonment and concentrate on strengthening its organisation and preparing for the next general election.

But he cautioned that any boost in morale among Najib's supporters should not be interpreted as an automatic increase in wider public support for Umno.

He said Najib's
association with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal and questions surrounding governance and integrity would continue to influence how some voters viewed the development.

National Unity Advisory Council member and political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the decision could provide "moral and psychological relief" to Najib's core supporters and sections of the Umno grassroots.

He said Najib could regain greater influence as a political symbol and driver of grassroots sentiment, even while remaining subject to the requirements of the conditional pardon and unable to necessarily return to political activity as before.

"Najib has the potential to become more influential as a symbol and driver of grassroots sentiment.

"He could become an asset to Umno in strengthening the loyalty of traditional supporters, particularly Malay voters who view him as a leader who brought stability and provided assistance to the people."

He said the development could also increase pressure within Umno for the party to be more vocal in defending Najib and raising issues surrounding justice and his pardon.

But Umno must handle the issue carefully as it is still part of the unity government, he added.

"The party cannot be seen as turning the decision into a political victory that challenges the sensitivities of its partners in Pakatan Harapan."

Universiti Malaya Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Development Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the decision could ease tensions among Najib's strongest supporters while creating political risks for the unity government.

"This decision provides moral and psychological relief to Najib's staunch supporters and part of the Umno grassroots.

"In the immediate term, it could revive the 'Bossku' sentiment and increase internal pressure for Umno to be more vocal in raising issues of justice, pardon and defending its former president."

He said Umno must balance the renewed sentiment around Najib with its position in the unity government.

He said Najib could regain influence as a political symbol and mobiliser among traditional Umno supporters, particularly Malay voters who continue to associate him with stability and aid.

"Najib can become influential again as a symbol and driver of grassroots sentiment. Although he remains subject to the conditions of the pardon and is not necessarily free to engage in politics as usual, he can become an asset to Umno in strengthening the loyalty of traditional supporters."