UMNO Pays RM50 Million Fine to Secure Najib's House Arrest

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has paid a RM50 million fine on behalf of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, fulfilling a condition of a royal pardon granted by Sultan Ibrahim in September 2024. The payment, made at the Kuala Lumpur High Court using funds from the crowdfunded Najib Razak Solidarity Fund, allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

Najib was originally sentenced in 2022 to 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine for money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and abuse of power involving SRC International. While a previous pardon in January 2024 reduced his sentence and fine, this latest payment secures his release from prison. In anticipation of the move, the Royal Malaysia Police deployed over 50 officers to secure the access road to Najib's residence in Kuala Lumpur.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed disagreement with UMNO's decision to cover the fine. Anwar stated that the payment should not create an impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit can be overlooked, arguing that the country must maintain strong moral principles against the abuse of power. UMNO Secretary-General Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki defended the action, thanking the public for their contributions to the fund.