'RM50 each is enough to raise RM50 million for Najib' - Puad Zarkashi

JOHOR BAHRU – Every Umno member has been proposed to contribute RM50 each to help raise the RM50 million fund needed to pay the fine imposed on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Former Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the RM50 million target could be achieved if one million of Umno's more than three million members contributed RM50 each.

He said the proposal was in line with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's call for the party to hold a fundraising drive to help Najib settle the fine.

"I support Zahid's call for Umno to raise funds to pay the RM50 million fine Najib has to pay.

"Although I am no longer an Umno member, Insya-Allah I will certainly contribute.

"Since Umno has more than three million members, it would be good if one million members contributed RM50 each. RM50 million would easily be raised," he said in a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday.

Umno had earlier taken the initiative to launch a donation fund to help ease Najib's burden in settling the RM50 million fine imposed in connection with the remainder of his sentence being served under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

Zahid said the party hoped its leadership, members and supporters, as well as others who wished to offer support, would contribute voluntarily.

Meanwhile, Puad, who is also a former Speaker of the Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN), said he maintained his position that Najib was a victim of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's political vendetta.

"I remain convinced Najib is a victim of Mahathir's political vendetta," he said.

He, however, jokingly asked that his view not be seen as interference in the matter.

"I hope I won't be labelled a busybody," he said.