Fund for Najib’s RM50m fine raises RM9.25m, with Umno seeking further contributions to meet the amount required for house detention
KUALA LUMPUR: A fund launched to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine linked to his conditional house detention has collected RM9.25 million, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the amount, recorded as of 10am today, was still RM40.75 million short of the target, with further efforts under way to increase contributions.
“As of 10am today, RM9.25 million has been collected and this is still insufficient to reach the RM50 million figure.
“Efforts are being made to increase the collection and we 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 detention can be fully implemented,” he said after attending the 18th Annual General Assembly of Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
The fund was launched by Umno on Sept 18 to help Najib meet the fine, with contributions made voluntarily by party leaders, members, supporters and others, according to media reports.
The fundraising follows the decision by the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house detention until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine.
Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said on Sept 25 that Najib was unable to raise the amount himself following the freezing of several bank accounts.
Shafee also said Najib had not sought public donations, with the fundraising effort initiated by others.
His law firm said on Sept 20 that Najib was seeking advice and considering his options to meet the payment condition, as most of his assets, bank accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and enforcement action.
