UMNO Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah has rejected claims that the Tabung Solidariti Najib Razak is meant to “legitimise corruption”, saying the initiative is based on voluntary support for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The Larkin assemblyman said nobody was being forced to contribute, comparing the initiative with the Tabung Harapan previously established. He said donations from individuals and businesses could be viewed as a show of solidarity with Najib and his past initiatives, particularly those benefiting the B40 community.
“Whoever wants to donate, this shows solidarity with Datuk Seri Najib,” Hairi said, adding that the RM50 million target was a substantial amount and contributions would be accepted voluntarily.
His remarks came after PKR Wanita deputy chief Loh Ker Chean accused the fund of being a “subtle move” by UMNO to legitimise corruption, questioning whether such efforts could normalise the idea that corruption can be forgiven when involving a supported political leader.
The fund was launched by UMNO on Friday to help Najib pay the RM50 million fine linked to the conditions of his conditional pardon. The fund had reportedly collected RM1 million by 9.30am the following day.
Hairi also urged critics not to apply double standards, pointing to the constitutional pardon previously granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He maintained that Najib had not been fully released but was allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, subject to the conditions imposed.
He further dismissed suggestions that the Najib issue would become political ammunition for Pakatan Harapan ahead of the next general election, saying UMNO and Barisan Nasional’s leadership would determine the strategy to regain public support.
