KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s decision to raise RM50 million to settle Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s fine leaves a bad impression on the public, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, warning that it could undermine efforts to instil a firm rejection of corruption and abuse of power.
While respecting the party’s decision to raise the money, Anwar said he personally disagreed with the move, cautioning against giving Malaysians the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit could simply be overlooked, local media reported.
“Never mind if that is Umno’s decision. If it wants to pay RM50 million, that is its business.
“My personal view is that I disagree because we should not give the public the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit can be allowed to go unchallenged,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Taman Kosas here today.
Anwar said the legal process and decisions made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must be respected, in keeping with the principles of the Federal Constitution.
However, he stressed that the fight against corruption and abuse of power must remain a fundamental principle, particularly in shaping the values of younger generations.
“What do we want to teach our children? A firm moral principle that rejects abuse of power and corruption.
“Nevertheless, I respect Umno’s decision because that is its right.
“I have already made my position clear,” he said.
His remarks came after Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Shafee, confirmed that the former prime minister’s RM50 million fine in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case had been paid in full at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.
Farhan arrived at the court registry at about 11.30am carrying a locked black bag to complete the payment and the necessary administrative procedures.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki had earlier announced that the party had reached its RM50 million fundraising target through the Tabung Solidariti Najib Razak, which was launched on September 18.
He said the full amount had been handed over to the High Court, adding that the dedicated donation account had since been closed and appeals for further contributions discontinued.
The payment fulfils one of the conditions attached to the pardon granted to Najib by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on September 18, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.
The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara.
Najib’s legal team is now awaiting the formal release order to be served on the Prisons Department to facilitate the implementation of the house-arrest arrangement.
Meanwhile, former Damansara MP Tony Pua has urged Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the source of the donations, questioning whether the funds raised by Umno were legitimate and free from money laundering.
Pua argued that the RM50 million could have been channelled towards helping ordinary Malaysians instead of supporting Najib’s return home under house arrest. – November 6, 2026