“Bossku’s chances to return as UMNO supremo, twice premier as good as gone with Zahid’s NFA”

 

DISGRACED former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s hopes of receiving a reduction in sentence – let alone an acquittal and pardon – could have been jeopardised considerably by the recent Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) NFA (no further action) decision on Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid.

On the contrary, the NFA would strengthen considerably Zahid’s position as DPM and UMNO president to the extent that he no longer needs Najib, according to veteran journalist and blogger Datuk A. Kadir Jasin.

“The same goes for Anwar. His position has also strengthened,” envisages the National journalism laureate in a Facebook post.

“On Jan 6 (three days before the NFA), Zahid had pledged that Barisan Nasional (BN) would remain with the Madani government until the end of its term after the UMNO Youth special convention on Jan 3 had implied that UMNO would leave the Madani government and become the opposition”.

More broadly, Kadir further expects the NFA to eliminate any remaining support for Najib whether at Federal government or party level.

“Between Zahid and Najib, Anwar is certainly more afraid of Najib and comfortable with Zahid,” foresees the former mainstream New Straits Times group editor-in-chief.

“Destined for Najib to be released from prison and pardoned, he is likely to be accepted back as UMNO president – like Anwar with PKR – and become PM again.

“If Anwar, who has been to prison twice for criminal offences can become PM, why not Najib? But Najib’s hopes of repeating Anwar’s miracle are no longer there with the verdict on the 1MDB case and the recent Addendum Order.”

Although there is an opinion that Anwar will not fall should UMNO leave the Madani government, Kadir stressed that the presence of the Malay party is paramount “to give legitimacy to PMX’s government by roping in the Malay support”.

“Furthermore, strengthening the alliance with Zahid through the awarding of NFA is strategic ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).”

In a related development, Kadir contended that release and pardon as recently happened to Zahid and before that to Anwar himself “can be arranged through the AGC”.

Datuk A. Kadir Jasin

“Perhaps that is why the granting of the NFA to Zahid came in the run-up to the tabling of the Bill to separate the functions of the Public Prosecutor from the Attorney-General this month,” reckoned the media and communications advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office during the Pakatan Harapan 1.0 administration.

“Now the PM only has to deal with one person, the AG. After this, it will be two individuals – the AG and the Public Prosecutor.

“The NFA award that cleared Zahid of 47 prima facie charged came at a time when Anwar claimed that he was fighting corruption without discrimination and several high-profile cases were being investigated, prosecuted and tried.” –  Focus Malaysia