PETALING JAYA: A local tofu pudding seller has pledged to donate RM10,000 to help former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak cover his RM50mil fine, describing the contribution as a personal payback for a lifeline extended to him 14 years ago.
In a Facebook post, Sunny Seow, founder of the Sunnycoco brand, shared that his motivation stems from a pivotal moment in 2012 when he was serving a sentence in Manjung for past mistakes.
During a visit by Najib to the area that year, Seow sought the help of a local penghulu to submit an appeal to the Home Ministry requesting an early release to care for his elderly parents.
"Unexpectedly, I received a notification from the Home Ministry that I could end my detention early and return home," Seow recalled. "For others, it might be just a letter or a bit of assistance, but for me at that time, it was an opportunity to start anew."
Following his early release, Seow rebuilt his life by starting a small business selling tofu pudding.
"Seeing Datuk Seri Najib hoping to return home to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest reminds me of where I was 14 years ago," Seow said. "Back then, when I needed help, he helped me. Today, within my ability, I want to do my part to repay that kindness."
Calculating that he earns roughly RM1 in profit per bowl, Seow noted that his RM10,000 contribution represents the profits of 10,000 bowls of tofu pudding.
He clarified that his gesture is neither politically motivated nor a call for others to follow suit.
"This is just a debt of gratitude I owe and want to repay in my own way," Seow added. "You gave me a chance to come home back then. Today, I will do my best to help you."
