The presence of Najib Abdul Razak in the 14th Parliament is a stain on the new sheet that unfolded in the country in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s astonishing victory in the May general election. The result is a damning indictment of Najib’s rule as prime minister.
But Najib also won and took his place in the new Dewan Rakyat, like a proud chieftain of Pekan. It looks as if it is business as usual for the man whose days are numbered as the clock ticks away. A dark, massive cloud is hovering over him and yet he sits in the chambers unperturbed.
A member of Parliament must have a clean slate when he takes the oath. His whole reputation is on the line as he takes his stand on various issues that must be debated to move the country forward.
For a newcomer, a seat in Parliament is a springboard to higher goals. If he can articulate his thoughts cogently and put forward his points succinctly, he can make his mark on the national stage.
But Najib is no rookie. His whole life is immersed in the treacherous waters of politics, and he has become the master of all dirty tactics. When he reached the pinnacle of his career, his insatiable appetite for power and wealth grew inexorably.
Then came the great fall. Now out on bail, the man must still serve his constituency and the once laziest prime minister in the world has been showing up quite diligently. But what can Najib do in Parliament? How can he contribute?
He cannot play the role of an elder statesman dispensing advice and suggestions. He cannot project himself as the advocate of high ethical standards. He cannot speak with conviction on any topic of national interest or pontificate on good governance.
The moment he opens his mouth and tries to run down the government, or deliberately finds fault, he runs the risk of getting heaped with scorn and derision. His record as Malaysia’s number one official is full of red marks.
The stark reality is, Najib cannot do anything constructive. Even if he criticises Pakatan Harapan for the slightest deviation from its promises, it would carry no clout at all. At best, he would get a cursory acknowledgement; at worst, totally ignored.
Parliament is not the place for Najib to right his wrongs. It is not the arena to seek vengeance or expose the weaknesses of his successor. It is not the platform to try to bring down a popularly elected government.
For Najib must know that his very presence in Parliament is not a morale booster for his discredited party. Umno is reeling from deep political wounds which will not heal anytime soon. The man who wrecked his party surely cannot command the respect of his remaining troops in Parliament for long.
Prime suspect
A respected body like Parliament cannot have under its roof an MP who is also a prime suspect in a criminal case and is awaiting trial. It tarnishes its image as an upholder and promoter of all the noble principles that govern the life of the nation.
The role of Parliament is to hold “the government to account for its policies, actions, and spending”, but the presence of Najib makes a mockery of such attempts at transparency.
Every time he steps into the lawmaking chambers, he brings dishonour to his country. The spotlight turns on him not because he is a celebrity but because here is the man who is a living example of a failed leader.
Every time he enters the august House, he rekindles all that is bad and ugly about his conduct in government. It brings unpleasant memories of his attack on parliamentary democracy.
For now, he moves about on borrowed time and so far, his conscience is not pricked. He is consumed by the fire of his own innocence and is unlikely to voluntarily take a leave of absence from the legislative body to wait for his fate to be decided.
Najib still occupies a prominent place in the Dewan Rakyat and may be a force to be reckoned with, but every time he takes his seat, he casts a pall of gloom over the soul of Parliament.
PHLIP RODRIGUES is a retired journalist.
MKINI
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