Donation drive for Najib garners over RM165k in one hour - Umno leader

 

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has granted Najib Abdul Razak house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

However, the arrangement is conditional on the jailed former prime minister paying a RM50 million fine.

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Group warns of double standards perception

7.25pm - Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) warns that Najib's conditional pardon may impact Putrajaya's anti-corruption efforts as the decision risks reinforcing the perception that those with political influence or status may face different consequences from ordinary offenders.

In a statement, TI-M president Raymon Ram cautions that Najib's case may also set expectations for similar treatment in future cases involving grand corruption and financial crime.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier assured that the government's commitment against graft remains unaffected by Najib's conditional pardon.

Raymon (above), however, points out that while no single decision determines Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score, the CPI draws on assessments by experts and businesspeople of public-sector corruption and the effectiveness of institutions in addressing it.

As such, he says high-profile decisions involving accountability for corruption inevitably contribute to the wider environment forming perceptions.

"Malaysia should be strengthening confidence in the integrity of its institutions, not creating further uncertainty over whether accountability is applied consistently," he adds.

Umno's donation drive

6.50pm - Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says the donation drive set up by the party to fund Najib's RM50 million fine has raised RM165,645 within the first hour of going public.

Asyraf declares the matter via a comment under his Facebook post, which shared bank details for the fundraising initiative.

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PKR MP questions morality of decision

6.30pm - Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim questions the morality of granting a conditional pardon to Najib.

In a statement, the PKR lawmaker acknowledges the constitutional and legal validity of the decision, but argues that it raises concerns revolving around the justice system, equality, and rule of law.

"If wealthy, prominent, and powerful elites can be released from prison and placed under house arrest on the condition that a RM50 million fine is paid to the authorities, what remains of Malaysia’s dignity and integrity if the rule of law can be bought with money?" he says.

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Anwar's legacy at stake

5pm - The government must use the remainder of its current term to implement institutional reforms it previously promised during election periods, says Muda.

In light of Najib’s conditional pardon, Muda points out in a statement that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s legacy stands to be that of a “kleptocrat saviour” if he fails to implement reforms advocated by his administration.

Among others, the party cites efforts to strengthen freedom of speech, ensure proper check-and-balance measures for public institutions, and the repeal or amendment of draconian laws as matters requiring the government’s continued attention.

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4.45pm - DAP's central executive council is calling for an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss the party's next course of action following the clemency granted to Najib Abdul Razak.

In a statement, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the party maintains its position on the 1MDB scandal, demanding justice and accountability for everyone involved in plundering the state investment arm.

According to him, the party's stand was conveyed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh to the Pardons Board in her capacity as a board member.

"As she has explained, the views were conveyed honestly and frankly in the interest of the country.

"At the same time, DAP respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power of pardon as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

"DAP has always upheld the principles of constitutional monarchy and constitutional supremacy, while defending the rule of law and the fight against corruption," Loke says.

'Leaked' document examined

3.40pm - An examination of the “leaked” pardon document circulating on social media last night has found several key differences from what was granted to Najib Abdul Razak this morning.

The document, which Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has denied signing and described as fake, purportedly allows the former prime minister to serve his sentence under house arrest on the condition that he pays all outstanding fines.

However, the house arrest granted to Najib today was on the condition that he pays a RM50 million fine. Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar has clarified that the clemency did not extend to Najib's 1MDB conviction, in which he was fined RM11.38 billion.

The "leaked" document further states that failure to pay the fines would result in an additional year being added to his prison term. It also does not specify whether the pardon applies only to Najib’s current sentence or extends to any future sentences. Nor does it state that he will complete his sentence on Aug 23, 2028.

It also claims that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was advised to allow Najib to continue serving his prison sentence, but that the King decided to grant the former premier clemency instead.

Malaysiakini has contacted Dusuki and Yeoh, who both sit on the Federal Territories Pardons Board, for clarification.

PAS welcomes pardon

3.30pm - PAS is describing Najib Abdul Razak’s conditional pardon as deeply meaningful to Malaysians who appreciate the former prime minister’s contributions and service in developing the nation for the people’s prosperity.

In a statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan says the Islamist party will continue praying for Najib’s health while he serves the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

The Kota Bharu MP says his party is also confident that Najib could continue contributing his ideas, views, and experience for the good of the nation.

Meanwhile, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari is reminding DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming of his pledge to resign from the cabinet if Najib is released without serving a punishment commensurate with his offence.

“Congratulations Najib. Now is the time for (Nga) to fulfil his promise to resign. If possible, take DAP out of the government as well,” says the Pasir Mas MP on Facebook.

Let Umno members donate RM50 each - Puad

3.20pm - A former Umno man and staunch Najib Abdul Razak supporter has proposed that each party member contribute RM50 towards raising the RM50 million fine imposed on the former prime minister.

In a Facebook post, Puad Zarkashi, an ex-Umno supreme council member, said the target could be met if one million of Umno’s more than three million members each chipped in RM50.

Backing Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for a fundraising drive to help Najib serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, Puad (above) said: “Although I am no longer an Umno member, God willing, I will certainly make a contribution.”

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Not all-inclusive

3.20pm - Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar says the conditional pardon granted by the Pardons Board today only covers Najib Abdul Razak’s conviction in the SRC International case.

He confirms this in a brief WhatsApp message to Malaysiakini when asked whether the board’s decision also covers Najib’s ongoing 1MDB case, in which the former premier is appealing his conviction by the High Court.

The fight continues

3.00pm - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the conditional royal pardon granted to Najib Abdul Razak today does not affect his government's commitment to eradicate corruption.

Speaking to reporters in Putrajaya, he says the clemency does not mean the country is bowing to corruption or thievery.

"I want to stress that all cases, including those involving Najib that are currently ongoing (in court), must proceed according to due process. The same applies to other cases involving corruption.

"This country must be saved, and we need firmness and the support of all Malaysians in upholding this as a nation governed by the rule of law.

"This country will no longer take lightly any misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or any member of the public. This is our position," he says.

Agong's discretion

2.45pm - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says allowing Najib Abdul Razak to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest is the sole discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He says that, as prime minister, his duty was to advise the ruler about legal implications, national stability, and the rule of law, as well as to take into account the guidance of the attorney-general.

"But ultimately, the Constitution provides for the absolute power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he tells reporters after performing Friday prayers in Putrajaya.

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Wanita Umno back fundraiser

1.45pm - Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad urges members to contribute to a fund to help former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak pay his RM50 million fine.

“I call on all Wanita Umno leaders and members at every level to come together to help ease the burden on Dato’ Sri Najib and his family by contributing voluntarily according to their means through the official channel that will be announced by the party."

She says the wing fully supports Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s initiative to launch the fund.

She also welcomes the decision allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest and expresses gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

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Umno launches Najib fundraising

1.25pm - Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says his party will launch a donation fund to ”help ease” former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s burden in paying the RM50 million fine imposed on him.

In a statement, Zahid (below), who is also deputy prime minister and BN chairperson, called on the party’s leadership, members, and supporters to contribute to the fund.

He assured that the initiative would be carried out “transparently, systematically, as well as in compliance with all applicable rules and laws”.

Separately, Bersama co-leader Rafizi Ramli called on Pakatan Harapan leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to publicly explain Najib’s conditional pardon.

Rafizi (below) claimed Anwar had “greatly benefitted” politically from the 1MDB scandal, which he said had influenced some voters to support Harapan.

The former PKR deputy president said Anwar should, at the very least, disclose detailed conditions governing Najib’s house arrest to enable action against any potential violations.

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Harapan top leaders to meet over Najib’s house arrest

1.05pm - Pakatan Harapan leaders will meet this evening to discuss the latest development in former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s case, according to party sources.

Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to chair the meeting, which is believed to concern Najib’s house arrest and DAP’s position in the government.

Malaysiakini learnt that the meeting will be held at Anwar’s office in Putrajaya at about 5.30pm.

Harapan had opposed granting additional clemency to Najib, with its presidential council stating before the previous Pardons Board meeting that individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.

Awaiting further instructions

1.00pm - Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's lawyer, Farhan Shafee, says he is waiting for further instructions from his client.

"I am awaiting instructions regarding the latest developments. I do not want to provide any incorrect information," Farhan (below) tells Harian Metro.

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House arrest until 2028

12.40pm - Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has granted Najib Abdul Razak house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

However, the arrangement is conditional on the jailed former prime minister paying a RM50 million fine.

The date coincides with the end of Najib’s reduced prison sentence for the SRC International case, while the RM50 million payment is the same amount as the fine imposed in that case.

Both the 2028 release date and RM50 million fine resulted from the previous Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s decision to reduce Najib’s sentence for the SRC case.

Separately, Najib was found guilty by the High Court in the 1MDB corruption case and sentenced to 15 years in prison and an RM11.38 billion fine over the scandal, which the judge compared to the conquests of Attila the Hun.

The 1MDB sentence is to begin after Najib completes his SRC sentence.

It remains unclear how today’s clemency decision will affect the 1MDB sentence. The case is currently under appeal. - Mkini