Najib Razak Eyes Political Comeback Amid Pardon Bid in Malaysia

Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, who's been in prison for corruption, might jump back into politics if he gets a pardon.

That's what his lawyer said in a recent interview, adding a spark to the country's already chaotic political scene.

Najib, now 72, has been locked up since 2022. He's serving a 12-year sentence over his role in the massive 1MDB scandal, where billions of dollars vanished from a government investment fund during his time in office from 2009 to 2018.

He was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering— a huge downfall for someone from a prominent political family.

• Najib Razak Eyes Political Comeback Amid Pardon Bid in Malaysia
• Former Malaysian PM Najib Could Return to Politics If Granted Royal Pardon
• Najib Razak’s Lawyer Hints at Possible Political Return Amid 1MDB Scandal Fallout

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Najib's counsel, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, dismissed questions of a premeditated political revival but left the door wide open. "You know Malaysia, anything can happen," Shafee said with a wry smile, invoking a local proverb: "There is a saying in the Malay community or Malaysian community, even a dried fish in politics can swim one day."

This comes as Najib's team pushes for a royal pardon from the king and a special board. Details are secret, but support seems to be building amid changes in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's shaky coalition government. Najib's party, UMNO, still has strong roots, especially in rural areas, and some allies are shifting sides.

If pardoned, Najib could shake things up before the 2027 elections. His popularity with Malay voters might help his old coalition or cause splits. But it could also dig up old scandals, like missing money from 1MDB stashed overseas.

Also Read: Ron Conway Quits Salesforce Charity Over CEO's Trump Support

Shafee says Najib is mostly thinking about family while in Kajang Prison. Still, in Malaysia's wild world of politics, comebacks aren't impossible. As the lawyer put it, anything can happen.