Najib Razak may be behind bars, but the former Malaysian prime minister will still loom large over the next battle for control in the nation¡¯s parliament.

Najib began serving a 12-year prison sentence Tuesday, after Malaysia¡¯s top court upheld his 2020 conviction for his role in one of the world¡¯s largest financial scandals.

While the decision bars Najib, 69, from running again and mounting a political comeback in upcoming elections, the disgraced former premier retains widespread popularity and deep influence in the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO).