Loke, DAP can hold head up high in house arrest saga

An order reissued by the Kuala Lumpur High Court led to two men packing their belongings and moving out — one out of prison, the other out of office.

The two are none other than former prime minister Najib Razak and now former transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

Now, Umno and maybe some PAS supporters are likely celebrating their “victory” — a conditional pardon for the former Umno president that sees him serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

But can Umno really claim a “win” in this case?

If any party can hold its head up high in this affair, it certainly has to be Loke and DAP.

Loke stayed true to his principles, even if it cost him his ministerial post.

He vowed to resign if Najib set foot in the house and did not u-turn.

It is an admirable attribute, regardless of whatever side of the divide you are on.

Of all the adjectives available to describe Loke, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chose “man of principle”, which must account for something, even if we were to doubt the deputy prime minister’s sincerity.

Loke’s resignation will help DAP recover its reputation as a principled party, especially among voters who have been disillusioned with them due to its partnership with Umno in the unity government and the administration’s delayed reforms.

Yes, being in bed with its most fiery rivals meant compromises had to be made for stability post-GE15, but the public doesn’t see it that way.

DAP, through Loke’s actions, may have also won over fence-sitters who are still angry with Najib and the 1MDB controversy.

Apart from these “wins”, unemployment may also work in Loke’s favour.

He now has the freedom to go to the ground to re-connect with the grassroots and members and he will be returning as a martyr of sorts.

Loke can now help revive the party in time for the 16th general election.

But what about Najib and Umno?

At the end of the day, Najib remains incarcerated — he only trades a jail cell for a comfortable home in Langgak Duta.

However, his movements, communication and personal contact remain restricted. To paraphrase a popular idiom: a cage by any other name reeks of imprisonment.

Secondly, Umno only managed to secure a conditional pardon and not a full one and helping Najib obtain a house arrest isn’t something one should boast about.

On top of that they had to help crowdfund RM50 million. Money that could have helped them win elections has been channeled to secure Najib’s house arrest.

Here’s the kicker. When the house arrest ends, he could head back to prison to serve his time for his 1MDB sentence, if he fails in his appeal. RM50 million would therefore end up being a hefty fee for a relatively short-term staycation.

Thirdly, Umno is now tasked with defending the indefensible and will have to do so with no moral ground to stand on, especially if they intend to play the religious card.

Umno, in this case, would have to answer for soliciting donations from people to help a convict who has yet to repent for his actions, which is religiously questionable and would likely haunt Umno in every election.

Umno’s friends and enemies will no doubt exploit this entire episode when jostling for seats during elections.

So. from where I stand, Loke and the DAP are the real winners here.

And all Umno has left is a house of cards.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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