ALOR SETAR: Kedah Umno has launched the Tabung Solidariti Najib Razak at all Umno divisions in the state to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak raise the RM50mil fine imposed on him.
Kedah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the fund was launched as a show of support for the former Umno president and prime minister in settling the fine.
“Our prayers and hopes over the years have been answered, and we hope this will bring renewed hope to the struggle of Umno members nationwide,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 19).
Mahdzir said Kedah Umno welcomed the decision by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to grant Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
He said the decision should not be made into a political issue and urged all parties not to question the King's prerogative powers.
“No one should play on sentiments by making statements that undermine the King’s prerogative powers, which were exercised within the bounds of the law,” he said.
Mahdzir said the King had exercised his discretionary and prerogative powers under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.
He said the decision should be accepted with respect for the institution of the King, as well as the country's constitutional and legal system.
Mahdzir urged all parties not to raise issues that could create confusion among the public over the King's prerogative powers.
He said the matter should not be manipulated for political popularity or votes in any future election, or used as campaign material in a way that could confuse the public.
Mahdzir said the party would continue to pray for Najib's strength and patience as he serves the remainder of his sentence according to the conditions of the conditional pardon.
Under the conditional pardon announced on Friday, Najib is allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50mil fine.
The order may be revoked if he fails to comply with the conditions imposed.
