Following former prime minister Najib Razak being granted a conditional pardon by the Yang di-Pertua Agong last Friday over his SRC International conviction, a donation drive was launched to raise money to pay a RM50 million fine tied to it.
Within 24 hours of its launch, a total of RM1 million was raised — a gesture which has deeply touched Najib and his family.
Najib Solidarity Fund Reaches RM1mil, Asyraf Wajdi Urges Supporters To Keep Donating
‘Very unexpected’
In a statement by Najib’s daughter Nooryana Najwa Najib, she wrote that her father was surprised by the wave of support behind the fundraiser.
Daddy really did not expect so many people to be willing to contribute. He was really touched to see how many people were willing to contribute.
“Our family is deeply touched by UMNO’s efforts to lead the Solidarity Fund and my father had never wanted to burden the party or the people,” she said as quoted by NST.
Nooryana, who’s also UMNO Puteri information chief, also thanked Malaysians who enquired about Najib and the family’s wellbeing, as well as their prayers.
“May Allah repay each of you for your prayers and kindness,” she added.
Not yet allowed to return home
Meanwhile, Nooryana said Najib has yet to come back home as the conditional pardon states he must pay the RM50 million fine before he can serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
“We respect the Pardons Board’s decision and further arrangements will be made through official channels if we manage to raise the amount through the Solidarity Fund set up by UMNO.”
Aside from Malaysians, friends from abroad have also contributed to the donation drive, according to Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
She revealed that individuals from Brunei, Italy, Singapore and Canada have chipped in to the Solidarity Fund, which led her to realise who her “real friends” are.
Najib is currently serving his sentence after he was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
He was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million before it was reduced by the Pardons Board in early 2024.
Under the conditional pardon, Najib must first settle the RM50 million fine before he can undergo house arrest. If he breaks any of the conditions imposed, he risks going back to Kajang Prison.
Read about it here:
Najib Razak Allowed To Serve Remainder Of Sentence Under House Arrest
