OVER the Cameron Highlands by-election, Najib rebranded his image with the #MaluApaBossku campaign and he became a social media sensation. The political impact of how the beleaguered ex-prime minister is transformed into a seemingly popular icon has become a concern for many.

His image makeover (probably done by well-paid experts) is a well-orchestrated effort to strike back. Compared to the very formal and uptight image during his days in office, Najib is now seen as a cool and easygoing guy. Rosmah Mansor, who attracts negative attention more often than not, is not featured altogether.

The messaging and publicity efforts of the new Pakatan Harapan government require more strengthening. In comparison, Najib is using the free media to his own advantage. We must not take this rebranding effort by Najib lightly. 

However, we must know why Najib is putting in so much effort, time and resources into this.

Firstly, he is hijacking Umno and Barisan Nasional to ensure his own survival.

Secondly, he is going all out to instigate dissatisfaction towards the Pakatan Harapan government, especially by spreading slander against DAP among the Malay voters. His ultimate goal is to generate tension and conflict among Pakatan Harapan component parties, and destroying the coalition before the next election.

This is not the first time Najib is hijacking Umno and Barisan Nasional for his own benefit.

Had Najib chosen to step down when the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal was exposed in 2015, Umno and Barisan Nasional would not have been defeated. However, for self-protection, Najib decided to first jail Anwar Ibrahim, causing the then-opposition to lose a uniting figure. He also collaborated with PAS to split Pakatan Rakyat, and finally demonising DAP to generate fear among the Malays in order to secure votes for Umno and Barisan Nasional.

If I were a strategist for Umno and Barisan Nasional today, my main objective would be to forgo Najib and Zahid Hamidi and introduce new leaders within the party who are free from scandals. The next four years should be used to re-establish the people’s confidence towards Umno in view of the upcoming general election. The appointment of Mohamed Hassan as Umno’s acting president can be seen as a move to revamp the party.

Having Mohd Hassan lead the party as a whole and Khairy Jamaluddin to lead in Parliament, Umno will become a credible, effective opposition to Pakatan Harapan that is able to provide constructive criticism. This helps to pave the way for a healthy development of a two-party system in Malaysian democracy. 

Unfortunately, Najib decided to use the Cameron Highlands by-election campaign as a launchpad for his comeback, stripping away Mohd Hassan’s opportunity to emerge as a national leader whereas Khairy is banished from the political limelight.

Najib’s strategies include:

• accusing Mahathir of being the puppet of DAP
• claiming that the Pakatan Harapan government will dilute Malay-Muslim rights
• creating the false impression of discord in the Mahathir-Anwar relationship and instability of the Pakatan Harapan government.

Najib’s only deliberation is that he will get to escape jail time if the Pakatan Harapan government is dissolved prematurely. In 2015, we had all witnessed Najib’s game plan to protect his self-interest. After defeating him in the 2018 election, I doubt he can make a comeback with such superficial tactics.

Najib is nothing but a dose of morphine for the terminally ill Umno. – February 19, 2019.

* Liew Chin Tong is the deputy defence minister.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.