DESPITE announcements from top UMNO leaders that the party has raised more than RM1 million to help Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay his RM50 million fine, the grassroots have not welcomed this move.
According to party insiders, several grassroots members, including senior branch and division leaders, find the fundraising move a bitter pill to swallow.
This is mainly because many of them are not living the ‘high and lavish’ lifestyles as those of UMNO leaders and feel the burden should not be passed onto them.
One branch leader revealed that they felt pressured to contribute a minimum of RM50 to the fund, while others were of the opinion that the money could be put to better use.
“Many of us feel that even if the party manages to raise RM50 million, it can be put to much better use.
“Just look around. There are so many people still suffering. Even in my branch, some families cannot afford decent medical care, while others have only one meal a day at times.
“There are still many living in poverty, while access to proper healthcare is seen as a luxury to many,” said a branch leader from Negeri Sembilan.
Another senior member questioned why such fundraising campaigns were not organised when party members themselves were in dire need of funds for much more important purposes.
“I recall a senior party leader who was suffering from a serious health problem and needed just RM25,000 for a procedure.
“However, it took the division so long to raise the money. By the time the money was raised, the member had already died,” he revealed.
Another woman leader told The Vibes that if UMNO wanted to win over the hearts of the people, it should put its resources to better use.
“I have nothing against Najib. He may be a good leader, but he certainly did not live a poor life when he was the prime minister.
“He, not to mention his wife, lived in luxury. Especially now with social media, nobody can hide anything.
“We are not stupid and can see the kind of luxury homes and cars party leaders have, compared to ordinary members, many of whom are still suffering,” she said.
She said many in UMNO are sincere and are in politics to serve the rakyat, not to enrich themselves.
“To many of us, raising RM50 million at the expense of party members and the rakyat is not something we support.
“RM50 million is a huge amount, and it can be put to use in so many other ways to help the rakyat and not one man.
“Are our party leaders shooting themselves in the foot by saying that they need only Najib to help steer the party and that none of them is capable,” she asked. – September 21, 2026
