SHAH ALAM – Umno has launched a donation drive to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak settle the RM50 million fine required under his conditional pardon, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says.
He said the party hoped its leadership, members and supporters, as well as others who wished to offer support, would contribute voluntarily.
Zahid said the initiative would be carried out transparently and in an orderly manner while complying with all applicable regulations and laws.
"Umno welcomes with gratitude the decision allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
"This development is very meaningful for him and his family, as well as the entire Umno family, who have never stopped placing their hopes and offering their prayers.
"Respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers, the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law will continue to be our principles," he said in a Facebook post on Friday.
Earlier, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of the RM50 million fine.
The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department announced the decision after the King chaired the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories on Friday.
Zahid added that Umno's position from the outset had been to pursue the application with propriety and humility through the designated channels.
He conveyed his deepest gratitude to the King on behalf of the entire Umno leadership and membership,
"Umno holds in the highest regard Your Majesty's wisdom and discretion and expresses its sincere appreciation for Your Majesty's graciousness.
"With humility, Umno expresses its immense gratitude for this development. Your Majesty's graciousness brings tremendous relief to Najib and his family and will always be remembered with deep appreciation by the entire Umno family.
"I urge all Umno members to welcome this development with gratitude, maintain decorum in every expression and respect all processes that have been established," he said.