Ahmad Zahid said UMNO will launch a transparent fundraising drive to help Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine under his conditional pardon.
PETALING JAYA: UMNO will launch a fundraising drive to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak settle the RM50 million fine imposed on him following today’s decision allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the fundraising campaign would involve the party’s leadership, members and supporters, as well as members of the public who wished to contribute voluntarily.
He said the initiative would be carried out transparently and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“UMNO is also taking the initiative to launch a fundraising drive to help ease Datuk Seri Mohd Najib’s burden in settling the RM50 million fine imposed on him,” he said in a statement today.
Zahid said UMNO welcomed the decision allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
He described the decision as significant for Najib and his family, as well as UMNO members who had continued to hope and pray for the outcome.
Zahid also expressed his appreciation to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for granting the conditional pardon.
He said UMNO had pursued the matter through established channels while maintaining respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers, the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.
He also urged UMNO members to receive the development with gratitude, exercise restraint in their statements and respect the processes involved.
Earlier today, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department announced that the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya had granted Najib a conditional pardon.
Under the decision, Najib will serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine.
The conditional pardon will be revoked if he fails to comply with any of the conditions imposed, after which he will have to immediately resume serving the remainder of his sentence in prison.
