{
  "id": 8833150,
  "title": "Najib’s RM50m fine: Grassroots feel money could be put to better use for the rakyat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/najibs-rm50m-fine-grassroots-feel-money-could-be-put-to-better-use",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T03:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/127514/najibs-rm50m-fine-grassroots-feel-money-could-be-put-to-better-use-for-the-rakyat"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Despite UMNO leaders claiming to have raised over RM1 million for Najib Razak's RM50 million fine, grassroots members have expressed dissatisfaction with the move. Senior leaders claim the fundraising campaign is a bitter pill to swallow as many members are not living the lavish lifestyles of UMNO leaders. A branch leader from Negeri Sembilan revealed that while some families cannot afford decent medical care or struggle with one meal a day, the money could be put to better use. Another senior member questioned why fundraising campaigns were not organized when party members needed funds for more important purposes. A woman leader said if UMNO wanted to win over the hearts of the people, it should use its resources for the rakyat instead of benefiting Najib individually. She noted that many in UMNO are sincere and in politics to serve the rakyat, not to enrich themselves. The leader emphasized that RM50 million is a huge amount that could be used in multiple ways to help the rakyat instead of benefiting one man.",
  "summary": "DESPITE announcements from top UMNO leaders that the party has raised more than RM1 million to help Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay his RM50 million fine, the grassroots have not welcomed this move. According to party insiders, several grassroots members,...",
  "key_points": [
    "UMNO raised over RM1 million for Najib Razak's RM50 million fine.",
    "Grassroots members feel money could be better used for the rakyat.",
    "Branch leader from Negeri Sembilan highlights poverty concerns."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The criticism from UMNO grassroots members indicates a disconnect between the party leadership and its base, where loyalty to Najib is seen as misplaced and detrimental to the welfare of ordinary people.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/8833150.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "From Brunei to Italy, Najib's RM50m fine draws donors from far and wide, says Rosmah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/from-brunei-to-italy-najibs-rm50m-fine-draws-donors-from-far-and-wide",
        "published": "2026-09-21T03:04:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Rosmah Mansor: Overseas friends offer donations to help Najib pay RM50m fine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/rosmah-mansor-overseas-friends-offer-donations-to-help-najib-pay",
        "published": "2026-09-21T05:39:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "AG: Najib’s family hasn’t paid RM50m fine, house arrest still on hold",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/ag-najibs-family-hasnt-paid-rm50m-fine-house-arrest-still-on-hold",
        "published": "2026-09-21T08:00:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Umno seeks release of Najib's frozen assets for RM50m fine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/umno-seeks-release-of-najibs-frozen-assets-for-rm50m-fine",
        "published": "2026-09-21T08:48:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}