Najib solidarity fund raises RM165,645 in first hour, says Umno sec-gen

Umno's Najib Razak Solidarity Fund launched today, collecting RM165,645 within its first hour, according to Umno's secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. The fund aims to assist former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in paying the RM50 million fine required under his conditional royal pardon. Asyraf expressed gratitude for the immediate contributions and encouraged further donations from party members and supporters.

The fundraising initiative was announced following Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's directive to collect donations for Najib's fine. Prior to this, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department confirmed Sultan Ibrahim's approval for Najib's conditional pardon, allowing him to conclude his six-year sentence, which was half the original 12-year term and fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Najib was convicted in 2020 for his role in the SRC International corruption case, stemming from the 1MDB scandal. He commenced serving his sentence in August 2022 following the dismissal of his final appeal by the Federal Court. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the pardon does not undermine the government's commitment to combating corruption, stating that ongoing corruption cases against Najib will proceed according to the law.

The opposition parties MCA, DAP, and others have responded positively to the pardon, acknowledging Najib's conviction while asserting that the decision respects the Pardons Board's ruling.