Najib's son moved as public helps pay RM50 million fine

PEKAN, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s eldest son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar, stated that his family deeply appreciates the voluntary contributions from the public to help settle the RM50 million fine imposed on the former leader.

He clarified that there was no coercion involved in the fundraising efforts, noting that the donations were entirely voluntary acts of goodwill from the Malaysian public.

Mohamad Nizar, who also serves as the Deputy Chief of UMNO Pekan, made these remarks during a press conference held by the UMNO Pekan Division. The event was organized to express respect for the decision of the Federal Territories Pardon Board, which granted Najib, 73, a conditional pardon.

This pardon allows the former Prime Minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to specific conditions, including the payment of the RM50 million fine. The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardon Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya, held at Istana Negara.

The conditional pardon was officially announced on September 18, a date that marks the beginning of the fundraising initiative by UMNO Pekan. Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Arif, the Chief of UMNO Pekan, who was present at the press conference, stated that the division respects the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, regarding the pardon. He noted that the party’s local leadership is committed to supporting Najib through this period.

Fakhruddin expressed the hope that Najib would be granted strength, good health, and ease in all his affairs.

In a display of solidarity, UMNO Pekan mobilized its leadership at all levels to collect funds starting from September 19. The initiative was framed as a gesture of unconditional love and support for the former Prime Minister. According to Fakhruddin, the fundraising campaign has been active for six days since the launch of the collection box. The total amount collected during this initial period was RM36,204.15.

This figure represents a small fraction of the total RM50 million fine but serves as a symbolic contribution from the local party base.

The context of the pardon is significant for Malaysian political and legal observers. The conditional nature of the pardon, which includes the requirement to pay a substantial fine, highlights the intersection of judicial sentencing and executive clemency. The fine of RM50 million is a major financial obligation that Najib must meet to fully comply with the terms of his house arrest.

The public’s willingness to contribute, even in small amounts, underscores the continued political support Najib retains among certain segments of the population and within the UMNO party structure.

Mohamad Nizar’s comments reflect the family’s perspective on the public’s reaction. He stated that, in his view, the people are contributing to repay the service his father provided to the nation. This narrative positions the donations not merely as financial aid but as a moral acknowledgment of Najib’s past leadership.

The family’s gratitude is directed specifically at the Malaysian people who chose to participate in the fundraising, reinforcing the bond between the former Prime Minister and his supporters.

The involvement of UMNO Pekan in the fundraising effort illustrates the party’s grassroots mobilization capabilities. By launching the collection immediately after the pardon announcement on September 18, the division demonstrated a rapid response to the political development. The presence of key party figures, including Fakhruddin and Mohamad Nizar, at the press conference signals the importance the local leadership places on this issue.

The event served both as a thank-you to the donors and as a public statement of support for Najib’s ongoing legal and personal circumstances.

The RM36,204.15 collected in the first six days is a concrete figure that anchors the story in tangible terms. While the amount is modest compared to the total fine, it represents the initial phase of a broader effort. The source does not specify a target amount for the UMNO Pekan collection beyond the general goal of gathering as much as possible.

The focus remains on the voluntary nature of the contributions and the emotional connection between the donors and the former Prime Minister.

The timeline of events is clear: the pardon decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardon Board, announced on September 18, and the fundraising began the following day. Najib’s house arrest period is set to continue until August 23, 2028, providing a long-term horizon for the fulfillment of the pardon’s conditions.

The fine payment is a critical component of this arrangement, and the public’s financial support, however small, is viewed by the family and party leaders as a meaningful gesture of solidarity.

The story highlights the complex dynamics of Malaysian politics, where personal loyalty and political allegiance intersect with legal proceedings. The conditional pardon allows Najib to remain in the public eye while serving his sentence, and the fundraising campaign keeps his name in the news. The family’s appreciation for the public’s generosity is a central theme, with Mohamad Nizar emphasizing the voluntary and heartfelt nature of the donations.

The UMNO Pekan division’s role in organizing the collection shows the party’s continued influence and organizational strength at the local level.

In conclusion, the narrative centers on the family’s gratitude and the party’s mobilization efforts in response to Najib’s conditional pardon. The RM50 million fine is the key financial element, and the public’s contributions, though small in aggregate so far, are symbolically significant. The story is a testament to the enduring support Najib enjoys from certain quarters, as evidenced by the voluntary donations and the public statements of respect from party leaders.

The situation remains ongoing, with the house arrest period extending into 2028 and the fine payment a continuing obligation.

Related: Istana Negara · Datuk Mohamad Nizar · Pekan