Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Rafizi’s stance was neither PH’s nor Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official standpoint on the matter.

“It would not trigger Barisan Nasional to leave the government,” Azmi told FMT.

However, he said there is a possibility that it could see some protest votes in the Pelangai by-election next month, although he does not expect it to result in any significant change to the outcome of the polls.

“It will have little impact because Najib is from Pahang,” Azmi added. Najib was the Pekan MP.

Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said while Najib remains a popular figure, a large portion of Umno supporters were yearning for reform.

These supporters want to distance themselves from those accused of corruption, she said.

“So this (Rafizi’s comment) is a minor issue in terms of (Umno’s) support for the unity government,” said Syaza.

She said BN has bigger issues to deal with, including improving its electoral performance. As a result, Rafizi’s remarks would likely be disregarded.

“Unless more changes are (made), Umno supporters are more likely to turn to Perikatan Nasional regardless,” she said, adding that there is a likelihood of protest votes being cast.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), however, feels the possibility of a boycott by Umno members or a defection to PN has always been there, regardless of whether PH supports Najib’s pardon.

Like Azmi, he believes Rafizi’s remark would not see BN quit the unity government.

“The alternative is more unpalatable. Also, the rot within Umno goes beyond Najib’s pardon. PH has to make clear to Umno that Najib’s pardon is the red line it is not willing to cross.”

Najib is serving a 12-year jail sentence after being convicted on charges of abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust over SRC International funds amounting to RM42 million.