News analysis

Najib out of running if KL calls snap polls

Muhyiddin can now capitalise on ex-PM's graft conviction to get stronger mandate

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak arriving at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex yesterday, surrounded by his supporters. Najib, who was convicted of graft, remains the Umno representative for Pekan, pending his appeal. Najib supporters chanti
Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak arriving at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex yesterday, surrounded by his supporters. Najib, who was convicted of graft, remains the Umno representative for Pekan, pending his appeal. PHOTO: BERNAMA
Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak arriving at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex yesterday, surrounded by his supporters. Najib, who was convicted of graft, remains the Umno representative for Pekan, pending his appeal. Najib supporters chanti
Najib supporters chanting outside the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex yesterday. The former Malaysian prime minister remains popular and is an influential ally in the Perikatan Nasional government. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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One thing is for certain now - Najib Razak will not return as Malaysia's leader should snap polls materialise.

Before his conviction for graft yesterday, Najib was still a dark-horse bet for his old job despite leading his Barisan Nasional coalition to a shock 2018 general election defeat that was partly fuelled by his role in the billion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 29, 2020, with the headline Najib out of running if KL calls snap polls. Subscribe