Kuala Lampur, Dec. 27 -- While Malaysians - much like observers across the world - remain shocked by the length and severity of the custodial sentence and fine imposed on former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, delivered on Boxing Day 2025, what ultimately stands out is not the punishment itself, but the discipline with which justice was administered.

In a Global South where political elites frequently evade accountability, the conviction of a former head of government through ordinary judicial processes remains a rarity.

Equally notable was Najib's own appeal to his supporters to remain civic and civil. That appeal matters.

It signals an acknowledgment - however restrained - that political contestation must now proceed through c...