[UPDATED] Umno's choice to pay Najib's RM50mil fine but I disagree, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced disagreement with Umno's decision to pay Datuk Seri Najib Razak's RM50 million fine but acknowledges it is the party's prerogative. Anwar emphasized that while they maintain a friendly relationship with Umno, the payment should not suggest that corruption involving billions can be overlooked without consequence.

The settlement of the fine enables Najib to serve the remaining part of his jail term under house arrest. Anwar stressed that Malaysians must uphold strong moral principles against corruption and abuse of power, highlighting that such values should be taught to future generations.

Umno's secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, confirmed that the party had successfully raised enough funds through the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund to settle the fine. This payment was a crucial requirement for the royal pardon granted by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, which allowed Najib to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

The payment enables Najib to continue serving his sentence at Kajang Prison, with the legal process requiring further administrative procedures before his transfer to his home location.

Najib's lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, affirmed that the High Court had issued a house arrest order following the payment. However, the actual date of his transfer remains uncertain. To maintain his pardon, Najib must adhere to the imposed conditions; otherwise, it could be revoked, and he would serve the rest of his sentence in prison.

Najib has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International funds. His original sentence was 12 years in prison and a fine of RM210 million, but this was reduced to six years in prison and RM50 million in fines in January 2024.