Mahathir’s Bold Move: Banning Najib and Shaking Up the Cabinet
On a breezy Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, the veteran Malaysian politician Mahathir Mohamad pulled the plug on former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s overseas plans. In just minutes after Najib announced he and his wife would be jetting off for a “weeklong break,” immigration officials slapped a travel ban on the couple.
The Big Announcement
“I did stop Najib from leaving,” Mahathir told reporters, keeping the tone light but firm. “We’ve got enough evidence to dig deeper into his activities—if the law says so, we’ll follow it.” The move was hailed as a preemptive strike to sidestep later extradition headaches.
Finances Take Center Stage
While the headlines buzzed about the ban, Mahathir unveiled a fresh lineup of cabinet ministers. His first pick: Lim Guan Eng, a former banker and accountant turned chief minister of Penang.
- Lim Guan Eng – Finance Minister (yes, the first time a member of the ethnic Chinese minority holds the post in Malaysia’s 60-year-old history).
- Timothy “Todd” Toh – Defence Minister (a last-minute choice).
- Madeline Singh – Home/Interior Minister (also announced day‑of).
Additional Partnerships
Mahathir and his deputy, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Anwar Ibrahim’s wife), rounded out the new cabinet. For a busy 100‑day period, the government will lean on a special advisory team including former central‑bank governor Zeti Akhthar Aziz and billionaire Robert Kuok.
Historical Context
The former 22‑year‑old PM, known for his tough, no‑nonsense approach, previously reshaped Malaysia’s political scene. He recently dismissed the attorney general who had cleared Najib in the 1MDB scandal—another signature move that sends shockwaves through the establishment.
Anwar’s Possible Release
News of a likely royal pardon for Anwar Ibrahim surfaced as a hopeful plot twist. Anwar, currently recuperating after shoulder surgery, may find himself back in the political arena soon, thanks to the support of his father’s supporters and Mahathir’s political alliances.
Najib’s Reaction
After the ban took effect, Najib posted on Twitter that he would respect the decision and stay put. He later told reporters at his UMNO meeting that he was stepping down as party president and Barisan Nasional chairman. The scene: journalists crowding a Kuala Lumpur airport, shouting “I’m here to catch the thief!” while riot police kept a tight watch. Yet, no jets ever left the airport carrying Najib or Rosmah.
Why the Fallout Matters
Najib’s defeat was fueled by public outrage over the 1MDB scandal. Reports claimed about $700 million siphoned into his accounts, and U.S. authorities alleged $4.5 billion was stolen. The case, described by U.S. Attorney‑General Jeff Sessions as “kleptocracy at its worst,” has money‑laundering inquiries in six countries, including Switzerland, Singapore, and the U.S. Even a $30 million portion was said to purchase Rosmah’s luxury jewelry.
