PETALING JAYA (Sept 18): Umno is seeking public donations to help former party president and prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay a RM50 million fine as a condition for his house arrest.      

The condition was set by the Federal Territories Pardons Board earlier on Friday.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a statement that the party thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who chairs the board, for the decision and that it would seek to lighten Najib's burden.

“Umno calls on its leaders, members and supporters, as well as those who wish to join in showing their support, to contribute voluntarily through an initiative that will be carried out transparently and systematically, and in compliance with all applicable rules and laws,” Ahmad Zahid said.

Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail and fined RM210 million in 2022 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million belonging SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of government investment firm 1Malaysia Development Bhd. 

In 2024, the Pardons Board halved the jail sentence and reduced the fine to RM50 million. The latest decision by the board means the Najib will be confined outside of prison until Aug 23, 2028, if he pays the RM50 million fine. 

Najib is also appealing against another 1MDB conviction in 2025, when he was sentenced to 15 years' jail and fined RM11.4 billion for abuse of power and money laundering. That sentence will run after he has served the SRC jail time.