KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed disagreement with UMNO’s decision to pay the RM50 million fine imposed on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, saying corruption and abuse of power must not be taken lightly because of friendship.
Anwar said that although he maintained a cordial relationship with Najib, such ties should not create the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit could be overlooked.
He stressed that firm principles against corruption and abuse of power must be upheld, particularly as an example for the younger generation.
Anwar disagrees
“My personal view is that I disagree. While we have a spirit of friendship with Datuk Seri Najib, this should not give the public the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit can simply be allowed to happen,” he said.
“What are we teaching our children? We must uphold strong moral principles that reject abuse of power and corruption,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Taman Kosas in Ampang.
However, Anwar said UMNO was entitled to make its own decision regarding the payment, adding that the government respected the legal process and the constitutional decision of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
Earlier, UMNO announced the official closure of its special Najib Razak Solidarity Fund account after donations had reached the targeted amount.
The fund had been established to assist Najib in meeting his financial obligations arising from the court proceedings.
