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KUALA LUMPUR – The fund-raising drive to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine linked to his conditional house arrest has raised RM9.25 million so far, says Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said the amount was recorded as of 10am on Sunday, but remained well short of the RM50 million target.
“As of 10am, RM9.25 million has been collected, and this is still insufficient to reach the RM50 million figure.
“Efforts are underway to increase the collection, and I hope our friends will be able to help in the near future to reach the amount decided by the Pardons Board.
“The amount must be settled before the house arrest can be fully implemented,” he told reporters after attending the 18th annual general assembly of Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
On Sept 25, Najib’s lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the imprisoned leader was unable to raise the amount himself following the freezing of several of his bank accounts.
Shafee also clarified that Najib had never asked the public to contribute towards the fine, with the fund-raising effort instead initiated by other parties.
On Sept 20, Shafee’s law firm said Najib was seeking advice and considering his options to fulfil the payment condition, as a substantial portion of his assets, bank accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and enforcement action.
The Tabung Solidariti Najib Razak launched by Umno had previously raised RM1 million in about a day, after collecting RM165,645 within its first hour and RM634,562.02 within three hours.
Umno announced the launch of the fund on Sept 18 to help Najib settle the RM50 million fine, with contributions opened voluntarily to party leaders, members, supporters and members of the public.
The fund was launched following the Federal Territories Pardons Board’s decision to grant Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of the fine.
