Umno launches fundraiser to help Najib pay RM50m fine

KUCHING: Umno will launch a fundraising drive to help former party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay the RM50 million fine imposed under his conditional pardon, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today (Sept 18).

Zahid said the fund would be open to party leaders, members, supporters and others wishing to contribute voluntarily.

“Umno is taking the initiative to launch a contribution fund to help ease Datuk Seri Mohd Najib’s burden in settling the RM50 million fine imposed,” he said in a statement.

He said the initiative would be conducted transparently and in accordance with existing rules and laws.

Earlier today, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department announced that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had consented to a conditional pardon allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine.

Najib must also comply with conditions attached to the pardon, failing which it can be revoked and he would be required to continue serving the remainder of his sentence in prison.

Zahid welcomed the decision and urged Umno members to respond with restraint and respect the processes involved.

He said the party had maintained from the outset that Najib’s application should be pursued through the prescribed channels while respecting the monarchy, the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.