Free Najib fund collects RM11,000 since launch

(The Star) – The “Free Najib” fund has collected RM11,000 since its launch on Thursday (July 5) afternoon at the Langgak Duta residence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Seputeh Umno vice-chairman and Solidariti Bersama Datuk Najib spokesperson Datuk Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii said the fundraiser was launched, as the bank accounts belonging to Najib and his family were all frozen and any cash in the house has also been seized.

“It is difficult for him to pay the RM1mil bail set by the court by next Monday, so Umno members and ordinary citizens wish to donate to him so that he is not burdened heavily. It is also a show of moral and financial support for him,” said Razlan.

Razlan added that the fund will be kept open until noon on Monday.

Najib on Wednesday (July 4) claimed trial to three counts of criminal breach of trust and another charge of abuse of power involving RM42 million linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Najib pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The argument for bail took about an hour before it was fixed at RM1mil by High Court judge Datuk Mohd Sofian Abd Razak.

Attorney General Tommy Thomas proposed the bail be set at RM4mil in cash, to which Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah objected, saying that it was too high an amount.

Muhammad Shafee said that his client is not a flight risk and asked for bail between RM500,000 and RM800,000 instead.

The bail was eventually set at RM1mil with two sureties. The court also agreed for the bail payment to be in two instalments.

Najib left the court complex after paying RM500,000 on Wednesday (July 4). The remainder will be paid next Monday (July 9).