KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed disagreement with Umno's decision to pay the RM50mil fine on behalf of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, stressing that corruption and abuse of power issues must not be taken lightly.
Anwar said personal ties and goodwill towards Najib should not create the impression that corruption and abuse of power involving billions of ringgit could be overlooked.
However, he acknowledged that making the payment was Umno's prerogative, adding that the government respected the legal process and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's decision under the Federal Constitution.
"Personally, I disagree. While we have a sense of friendship with Najib, it must not give the public the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit can be overlooked.
"What values are we teaching our children? We must uphold firm moral principles that reject abuse of power and corruption," he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Taman Kosas here on Friday (Nov 6).
Earlier, Umno announced it was closing the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund account after contributions reached the required amount.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said in a statement that the party completed all payment procedures with the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday morning.
The RM50mil fine imposed in his SRC International Sdn Bhd RM42mil misappropriation case was paid at the High Court's criminal registry on Friday.
His special officer, Ahmad Lutfi Azhar, arrived at the court at 11.30am to make the payment and complete the necessary administrative procedures.
The RM50mil fine payment was among the conditions of a royal pardon granted on Sept 18, allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
Najib, 73, has been serving his prison sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction. – Bernama
