Umno is prepared to disclose details of the RM50 million raised to pay the fine imposed on its former president Najib Razak to the authorities, says party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said the fundraising account opened by Umno headquarters had been closed after the RM50 million target was reached through crowdfunding.
He said contributions came from various sources, including Umno members and non-members, branches, divisions and state liaison bodies.
“We are prepared to disclose details of the funds collected to the relevant authorities,” he told a press conference after an event in Tanjung Kling.
RM50mil fine settled
Umno settled the RM50 million fine on Nov 6. The payment was one of the conditions of the royal pardon allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest.
Calls for scrutiny over fund sources
Yesterday, veteran journalist A Kadir Jasin said the government had a moral obligation to investigate the sources of the money raised by Umno to settle Najib’s fine.
Kadir said the government, which had repeatedly emphasised its commitment to fighting corruption, should ensure the payment came from legitimate sources, regardless of who contributed the money.
He said the large sum warranted scrutiny, including whether any contributions came from individuals or businesses linked to government contracts.
On Nov 7, Kampar MP Chong Zhemin also urged Umno to confirm or deny claims that contractors involved in road projects had contributed to the fund.
