LETTER | Najib, Trump personify the post-truth era

LETTER | Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and ex-US president Donald Trump stand as emblematic figures of the post-truth era.

This is a period marked by the prioritisation of personal beliefs and political loyalties over objective facts and legal judgments.

Both leaders, despite their legal challenges and convictions, continue to wield significant influence and command dedicated support, illustrating the impact of the post-truth paradigm on contemporary politics.

Najib, convicted in 2020 for his involvement in the SRC International case, and Trump, who faces ongoing legal battles, embody how political figures can persist in the public eye despite serious legal controversies.

Their situations underscore the growing irrelevance of factual accountability in political discourse. For both Najib and Trump, their legal troubles are frequently portrayed by their supporters as part of broader conspiracies or political attacks, rather than as consequences of judicial decisions.

In the post-truth era, the focus shifts from objective legal outcomes to personal narratives and perceived injustices.

Najib’s narrative of political persecution resonates with his supporters, who often dismiss his conviction as a tool used by rivals to undermine him.

Similarly, Trump’s base frequently views his legal challenges as politically motivated attacks, further solidifying his position as a victim of an unjust system rather than a figure held accountable by the law.

A challenge to objectivity

Despite their legal issues, both Najib and Trump maintain robust support bases that challenge the notion of objective truth.

Najib’s continued influence in Malaysian politics, marked by loyalist factions and political manoeuvring, and Trump’s enduring appeal within the Republican Party and among American voters, both reflect how personal loyalty and ideological alignment can overshadow judicial outcomes.

This dynamic highlights a shift where political allegiance often supersedes the acknowledgement of legal facts.

The persistence of Najib’s and Trump’s influence is a testament to how the post-truth era enables political figures to reshape narratives and rally support despite significant legal and ethical challenges.

Najib and Trump’s ability to remain relevant despite their legal issues significantly impacts their respective political landscapes.

Ideological loyalty over truth

Their cases illustrate how personal branding, ideological loyalty and narrative control can shape political discourse in ways that diminish the role of objective truth.

This shift has broader implications, contributing to polarised political environments where factual accuracy and legal accountability are frequently overshadowed by partisan loyalty and personal belief.

Najib and Trump also exemplify the post-truth era's impact on modern politics. As symbols of this era, they highlight the challenges facing democratic institutions and public discourse in an age where truth is increasingly subjective and contested.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.