[UPDATED] Najib says supporters should not feel obliged to help meet RM50mil condition

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not want Umno, Barisan Nasional or members of the public to feel "burdened or obliged" to help meet the RM50 million condition, his lawyers said today.

Messrs Shafee & Co said Najib was deeply moved by the outpouring of solidarity following the announcement of the conditional pardon and remained grateful to those who had offered assistance.

"While our client is deeply touched by these expressions of solidarity, he does not wish the Party, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel burdened or obliged on his account," it said in a statement.

"He remains profoundly grateful to those who, entirely of their own free will and according to their respective means, have chosen to offer their support and assistance.

"Their kindness is a source of great strength to him at this time."

Najib also also expressed his gratitude to the King and the Pardons Board, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, members of the Umno Supreme Council, and the party's leadership and members at every level.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, consented to a conditional pardon for Najib following the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya on Sept 18.

The decision allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, subject to the conditions imposed, including payment of the fine.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department said the conditional pardon would be revoked if Najib failed to comply with any of the conditions, requiring him to return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Najib remains at Kajang Prison pending fulfilment of the conditions.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar had said the fine must first be paid at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Registrar's Office before the house-arrest process can proceed.