Tears won't flow for the fallen leader

Najib Abdul Razak, judging by his haughty manner, remains a stubborn and defiant figure. The former prime minister refuses to acknowledge that his days frolicking on the political beach are over and that he should ride off to the sunset.

It is clear as daylight that Najib is no longer a respected leader, but a commoner who will most probably be languishing in a cell for the next 12 years.

Yet, he thinks Umno still loves him and will stand by him despite his conviction of a crime most abominable. Somehow, in his twisted mind, he sees himself as an innocent victim who has a chance of vindicating himself and leading his party again.

But why should Umno embrace him? Why should even the grassroots rally around him? Is he still indispensable? Is he bigger than the party?

Umno is a grand old man that the Malays have looked up to for guidance these many decades. It was treated with marked respect and unblinking affection.

Najib had all the chance in the world to take Umno to greater heights when he led the party from 2008 until 2018. During the nine years that he was also the prime minister, he could have made Malaysia a respected name in the community of nations.

But he blew it. Power corrupted him, causing him to recklessly break the law. His misconduct in office tarred not only his party but also the country.

How then can Najib entertain any hope of political salvation? Umno, already bruised, is unlikely to hearken to him, or follow him or defend him.

Despite the scale of justice tipping heavily against him, Najib does not want to bow out gracefully. He has convinced himself that he did not get justice and that things might turn out well when other judges hear his case.

The cell awaits his coming, but Najib is stalling for time. He wants to exhaust all legal avenues to clear his name, which means he would have at least a year to enjoy his freedom without walls.

What can he possibly do with his borrowed time? Now that he is seen as a plain criminal, will Umno members invite him to party functions or go on campaign trails? Will they want to be seen with someone who has become more of a liability than an asset?

Perhaps, this former strongman is praying a miracle would occur, which would see Umno and its bedfellow PAS return to power, with him riding on the crest of a wave to Putrajaya.

Such a scenario is thrilling, except that the "returning hero" is not someone jailed for his political convictions but for stealing state funds. Umno and the public certainly do not want to see him occupying the pinnacle of power once again.

It is understandable that Najib may feel terribly afraid to enter a prison cell after living a life of privilege, wealth and luxury. The change of residence - from a palatial setting to a bare-walled grim environment - can be extremely unsettling.

But that is where Najib is heading. He will walk in alone, a forlorn figure, and, at last, weep on the misfortune that befell him.

No one can comfort him, not even Umno. Umno cannot be forever shedding tears for the fallen leader. The party must continue its journey, not to seek power, but to cleanse itself thoroughly of all the muck left by Najib.

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PHLIP RODRIGUES is a retired journalist. - Mkini