UMNO is set to launch a fundraising drive to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine required under his conditional royal pardon, which allows him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative would seek voluntary contributions from UMNO leaders, members and supporters, as well as others who wish to contribute.
He said the fundraising exercise would be conducted transparently and systematically, while complying with existing rules and laws.
Earlier, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
The order is subject to Najib paying the RM50 million fine and complying with the conditions imposed. Failure to meet the conditions would result in the conditional pardon being revoked and the remainder of his sentence being served in prison.
The decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya held at Istana Negara on Sept 18.
Ahmad Zahid said UMNO welcomed the decision and expressed the party’s appreciation to the King.
He described the development as significant for Najib, his family and UMNO members who had continued to hope for a favourable outcome.
Najib has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022. His original 12-year prison term was halved in 2024, while his RM210 million fine was reduced to RM50 million.
The latest conditional pardon means payment of that RM50 million fine is now required for Najib to serve the remaining term under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
