{
  "id": 8217094,
  "title": "Umno launches Najib solidarity fund to help settle RM50mil fine",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/umno-launches-najib-solidarity-fund-to-help-settle-rm50mil-fine",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T09:17:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1535565/umno-launches-najib-solidarity-fund-help-settle-rm50mil-fine"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Umno party has established the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund to assist the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in settling the RM50 million fine imposed on him, thus enabling him to be granted house arrest. This initiative, spearheaded by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has garnered support from party members and the public, who are encouraged to contribute voluntarily to the cause. Umno leaders, members, and citizens are invited to donate through the official channel. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno secretary-general, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of concern, support, and sincerity from Malaysians who have joined the initiative. Earlier, Zahid revealed that Umno's fundraising effort aims to alleviate Najib's financial burden in paying the fine. On August 23, 2028, Najib will be eligible for house arrest, provided he fulfills all the conditions set forth by the Federal Territories Pardons Board. The board approved the conditional pardon under the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. The pardon stipulates that Najib must abide by all the conditions imposed; otherwise, the pardon could be withdrawn. Currently serving a reduced six-year prison term at Kajang Prison, Najib was initially sentenced to 12 years and a fine of RM210 million for his involvement in the SRC International case, where he was convicted of seven charges related to abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has launched the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine, which would allow him to be granted house arrest.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Why should Malaysians pay Najib’s RM50 million fine?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/why-should-malaysians-pay-najibs-rm50-million-fine",
        "published": "2026-09-18T09:44:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Najib solidarity fund raises RM165,645 in first hour, says Umno sec-gen",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/najib-solidarity-fund-raises-rm165-645-in-first-hour-says-umno-sec-gen",
        "published": "2026-09-18T10:45:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Perlis Umno launches solidarity fund for Najib",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/perlis-umno-launches-solidarity-fund-for-najib",
        "published": "2026-09-18T11:17:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}