KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 27 -- The Najib Razak Solidarity Fund has reached RM9.25 million nine days after its launch, but Umno is still short of the RM50 million needed to help the former prime minister meet the fine attached to his conditional pardon for house arrest.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the latest amount was recorded as of 10am Saturday, leaving the fund RM40.75 million short of its target, The Star reported today.

"As of 10am, we have collected RM9.25 million so far.

"This is still insufficient to reach the RM50 million target. Efforts are ongoing to increase the crowdfunding, and we hope our friends will be able to assist us in the near future to reach the amount set by the Pardons Board.

"The amount must ...