The dual purpose of Najib's apology: Regaining trust and testing waters - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's public apology could have been a strategic move aimed at assessing public sentiment, particularly among staunch Umno supporters and the rural Malay community.

According to political analyst Afi Roshezry Abu Bakar, Najib’s apology served a dual purpose, functioning as both a genuine attempt to regain trust and a calculated manoeuvre to test the waters.

This gesture specifically targeted Umno loyalists and the Malay community in rural areas, key demographics in Malaysia’s political landscape.

“First, he could have been sincere about his apologies, or he may have tried to regain his public trust based on certain support regarding these addendum issues.

“This addendum issue was also used as a tool to attract voters, especially Malays and staunch Umno supporters,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted recently.

On Oct 24, Najib issued an apology to Malaysians regarding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal that occurred during his tenure as prime minister and finance minister.

The apology was delivered by his son, Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib, at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex. Najib expressed that his decision to apologise came after extensive reflection during his 26-month incarceration.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has previously acknowledged Najib's apology, stating that it is a civil response when someone expresses remorse for their actions.

To this, Afi pointed out that Najib's apology may have been influenced by current political pressures.

He stressed that some segments of the public, including those he termed "fan-seaters," individuals who remained undecided or neutral towards any political party, were concerned about the addendum tied to Najib’s case.

These individuals, sensitive to shifting political narratives, could have played a decisive role in shaping public opinion.

“Public trust was critical here. Najib’s apology seemed to test whether he could regain this trust among the more cautious segments of the population.

"Recent developments further stressed the political sensitivity of Najib's apology," Afi added.

He stated that the issue was also raised during a parliamentary session when Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan brought it up, reflecting its relevance in current political discourse.

Moreover, the topic had surfaced in recent by-elections, including those in Gua Musang, where it was wielded as a tool to attract Malay voters.

Drawing on historical political strategies, Afi likened the move to concepts in Machiavelli's The Prince.

“If you read The Prince by Machiavelli, this strategy had to be created because if one planned to make a comeback, they needed to generate momentum and use any means necessary to regain power,” he added.

Najib’s apology could therefore have been an attempt to create that momentum, appealing to a voter base that remained highly influential in Malaysian politics, particularly the rural Malay community, Afi said.