Supporters have raised RM9.25 million toward Najib Razak’s RM50 million court fine, leaving the jailed former Malaysian prime minister short of the sum required for a conditional royal pardon that would allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 2028.
The crowdfunding effort, launched by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), crossed its first million-ringgit milestone within a day of opening its digital doors on September 18. By the morning of September 27, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed to reporters that the solidarity fund had collected RM9.25 million, equivalent to roughly US$2.27 million or S$2.9 million.
Conditional Royal Pardon and the RM50 Million Fine Requirement
The financial campaign stems from a decision made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya. King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar granted a conditional pardon allowing Najib to serve his remaining prison term under house arrest until August 23, 2028. That clemency is strictly tied to paying a RM50 million fine imposed by the court.
Najib has been imprisoned since August 2022 after Malaysia’s top court upheld his conviction in a graft case connected to 1MDB, a state investment fund. His original 2020 sentence totaled 12 years in prison alongside a RM210 million fine for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving RM42 million from SRC International. In January 2024, the Pardons Board halved his prison term to six years and reduced the financial penalty.
Crowdfunding Momentum and Small-Dollar Contributions
Contributions rolled in quickly following the launch, pulling in RM634,562.02 within the first three hours. UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki noted that many donors gave small amounts ranging from RM10 to RM50. Party president Ahmad Zahid calculated that if the party’s 3.8 million members each contributed RM10, the total collection could theoretically reach around RM30 million.
Even so, the total remains well behind the RM50 million target needed to satisfy the Pardons Board’s condition. Zahid stressed that the amount must be settled before house arrest can be fully implemented, adding that ongoing crowdfunding efforts hope to draw support from friends.
Family Response and Frozen Asset Complications
Najib’s family expressed gratitude for the public response while clarifying that they did not initiate the fundraising drive. His eldest son, Nizar Najib, an UMNO assemblyman for Peramu Jaya in Pahang, acknowledged that while some critics dislike the campaign, many Malaysians still care for his father and feel moved to help.
At the same time, Nizar noted that releasing his father’s frozen assets would only help somewhat, leaving a substantial gap to cover.
Translated from the legal firm’s statement, Najib’s team emphasized that every contribution is completely voluntary and tailored to individual ability, with no obligation placed on anyone. His daughter, Nooryana Najwa, echoed those sentiments on Instagram, noting that her father never wanted to cause trouble for his party or the public.
Political Repercussions and Prime Minister Anwar’s Remarks
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pushed back against rumors that he personally facilitated the conditional pardon.
What I said is that every prisoner has the right to submit an appeal, and I stand by defending that right for anyone, including Najib.
Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
Anwar added that he had consistently reminded the Pardons Board about Najib’s ongoing court cases, the magnitude of the fine, and how the decision might influence public confidence and international opinion.
Meanwhile, Nooryana clarified to followers asking whether her father had already returned home that the fine must be paid directly to the court before a receipt can be issued to prison authorities. Only once that documentation is delivered can the prison issue the formal release order required to initiate house arrest.