Malaysian ex-PM Najib leaves jail for house arrest after paying fine

Former Damansara Member of Parliament Tony Pua has called on Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct an audit of the RM50 million fund raised by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) to pay the fine imposed on Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Pua insists that such an audit is crucial to ensure that all the funds collected are legitimate and not sourced from illicit activities.

Pua emphasized that the true colors of UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) have been exposed by the party's decision to use the collected funds to free Najib Razak. He questioned why UMNO chose to free the individual accused of crime rather than using the funds to benefit ordinary citizens. Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, or belief, are urged to recognize the true nature of UMNO and BN, according to Pua.

This statement comes after UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that the party had successfully settled the RM50 million fine after the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund reached its goal in September. Najib Razak has been in Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million, his sentence was reduced to six years in prison and a RM50 million fine in January 2024. In January 2024, Najib was granted a conditional pardon, enabling him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays the RM50 million fine and adheres to other specified conditions.