Zahid announces Umno donation drive to pay Najib’s RM50m fine following conditional pardon

On September 18, Umno announced a nationwide donation drive to help former party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay the RM50 million fine mandated by his conditional royal pardon. Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made the announcement, expressing gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, for the royal decision, which brought immense relief to Najib, his family, and party loyalists.

The party urged all leaders, members, supporters, and anyone wishing to contribute to participate in the transparent and lawful initiative. However, Zahid did not immediately provide details on the collection structure or administration. Earlier, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department confirmed Sultan Ibrahim's consent for Najib to serve the remaining part of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he fulfills the fine payment.

The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya. Zahid emphasized that Umno's advocacy for Najib was conducted with propriety, humility, and respect for the Malay Rulers, the Federal Constitution, and the rule of law, urging party members to accept the royal decision with humility and adherence to legal norms.

Najib was convicted in 2020 for his role in the SRC International corruption case, part of the 1MDB scandal, and began serving his sentence in August 2022 at Kajang Prison after the Federal Court overturned his final appeal. His initial 12-year sentence was reduced to six years and the fine from RM210 million to RM50 million after an earlier review by the Pardons Board in early 2024.