Anwar voices disapproval of UMNO funding Najib's fine settlement

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday he does not approve of UMNO's move to settle former Prime Minister Najib Razak's financial obligations through party funds, but stopped short of intervening in what he characterized as an internal party decision.

Anwar's comments came after UMNO announced the closure of its special Najib Razak Solidarity Fund account, which had been established to collect contributions toward the payment. The fund had become a point of public controversy, with critics questioning the appropriateness of using party resources for an individual member's legal settlement.

While expressing his personal disagreement with the arrangement, Anwar indicated that as a political party, UMNO retained the right to manage its own finances and make decisions regarding its members. His stance reflected a balance between moral objection and respect for party autonomy.

The development underscores the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding Najib, whose administration faced multiple corruption-related convictions in recent years. The solidarity fund had drawn scrutiny from civil society groups and opposition figures who viewed it as potentially normalizing support for figures facing serious legal allegations.