Former Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is seeking government donations to help him through a Fund created by his daughter Norana Najwa.
In a message on his Facebook page, Najib said the Fund, created by his daughter and local NGOs Gerakan Offers Seagate was also designed to protect other “anti-government activists” who were supposedly silenced by the current administration, Malaysia kini reports.
“To be honest, we are facing financial pressure due to legal costs and high bail rates,” said Najib, who, along with his wife, Rosma Mansor, was released on bail of RS 6.5 million for their numerous charges.
Najib is currently charged with 32 episodes in a corruption case involving THE 1mdb Foundation and its former subsidiary SRC International, while Rosma is charged with 17 counts of money laundering.
He said that they had been able to pay bail with the assistance of close friends and family members. “… but if possible, we don’t want to burden them anymore. If there is nothing to ask, it will be welcomed if there are those who want to help, also donating to this Fund”.
According to other beneficiaries from the Fund, Najib cited an unidentified person who, he said, is currently suing Sirikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) for allegedly criticizing the Selangor government for frequent violations of water resources in the state.
However, Najib said that people should give priority to more urgent issues if they also face financial constraints.
“However, I would like to thank everyone who has prayed constantly for me and my family,” he added.
Noorani separate shared entry Facebook former Federal district UMNO Youth leader Mohd Razlan Raheem, which is the Secretariat of the Fund “Tabung Solidariti DSN & Keluarga 2.0”.
Razlan expressed hope that the people would help Najib in showing solidarity.
“It (the Fund) can also give courage to other activists criticizing the government for the critical principle of verification and balance in a democracy like our country,” he said.
Last Saturday Noorani argued that the banks rejected the proposal of the family to open a new account to receive public donations for the sponsorship of parents.
She then called on banking institutions to forgo fear of” government pressure or repression “and to seek family assistance”in the interests of justice”.
