No one should feel obliged to help pay RM50m fine, Najib tells supporters as Umno solidarity fund hits RM1m

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told supporters on Monday that those who have volunteered to contribute to his RM50 million fine payment, imposed as part of his conditional royal pardon, should not feel obligated or burdened to do so. According to Najib's legal team at Messrs Shafee & Co, the lawyers emphasized that the offer of assistance should be provided "entirely of their own free will and according to their respective means".

The Najib Razak Solidarity Fund, established by the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) to aid Najib in meeting the fine condition, had garnered RM1 million by 9:30am on Monday, just a day after its launch. The fund collected RM165,645 in its first hour, ballooned to RM634,562.02 within three hours, and saw numerous contributors donating sums as small as RM10 or RM50.

Umno Secretary-General Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced the RM1 million achievement and encouraged continued contributions, even in small increments.

The fundraising initiative, which opened its doors to Umno's leaders, members, supporters, and anyone willing to contribute voluntarily, was unveiled by Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid promised the process would be transparent, organized, and compliant with all relevant rules and regulations. The reaction to the fundraising campaign has been mixed, with some questioning the decision to collect money for Najib and whether those funds might be better directed towards those facing financial hardship.

On Friday, the Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon, permitting him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided the RM50 million fine and other conditions are fulfilled. The Attorney General clarified that this conditional pardon applies solely to the prison sentence associated with the SRC International case.