PAYA RUMPUT – The controversy surrounding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest will not derail the momentum of the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional (BN-PN) partnership in the 16th Melaka state election.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the issue had instead generated positive momentum among Malays, particularly within Umno, which he believed could strengthen the party's position and potentially benefit Umno and BN beyond the Melaka polls and into the next general election.
Tuan Ibrahim also dismissed claims that the court order allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest amounted to his release, stressing that the former prime minister remained a prisoner serving his sentence under a different form of detention.
“Certain parties had misrepresented the decision to create the impression that Najib had been freed.
The Pas leader added that while house arrest might be implemented for the first time in Malaysia, the concept was not new internationally, citing former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and former South African president Nelson Mandela as examples of individuals who had experienced forms of house arrest.
On the BN-PN cooperation, he said both coalitions' election machinery had been operating effectively and was more organised than during the Negeri Sembilan state election.
“Both sides have worked as one team since nomination day, with Pas campaign workers assisting BN candidates and BN supporters helping PN candidates in their respective constituencies,” he said.
Tuan Ibrahim was speaking to reporters after attending the BN-PN Grand Finale ceramah at Kampung Krubong, here on Wednesday.
Najib was granted a conditional pardon in September, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case under house arrest.
On Nov 10, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the former prime minister could serve the remainder of his sentence at his residence in Langgak Duta, Kuala Lumpur with immediate effect.
The decision emerged as a national political issue during the Melaka election campaign, with its potential impact on BN-PN's electoral prospects becoming a subject of discussion.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.
Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place on Nov 10. The 14-day campaigning period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.