UMNO Raises RM1 Million for Najib's Fine as Critics Send One-cent Donations

UMNO's crowdfunding campaign to help former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak pay the RM50 million (S$15.6 million) fine required for his transfer to house arrest has raised more than RM1 million, while critics have used the same fund to protest the initiative.

The Najib Razak Solidarity Fund collected RM165,645 in its first hour and more than RM634,000 within three hours, with many supporters contributing RM10 or RM50.

UMNO said the campaign would be managed transparently and in accordance with the law.

Najib thanked contributors but stressed that no one should feel pressured to donate.

Najib was granted a conditional royal pardon on September 18, allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

However, he will remain in Kajang Prison until the fine is paid. His lawyers said much of his property, bank accounts and other assets remain frozen or subject to government enforcement proceedings.

The decision has also deepened political tensions within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke offered to resign as transport minister in protest, while Anwar maintained that the final clemency decision rested with the King and reiterated that his government remained committed to fighting corruption.