SNAPSHOT | Najib donation drive reaches RM1m; MACC quizzes Mat Sabu, ministry sec-gen over fertiliser deliveries delay

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 11am, 2pm, and 6pm.

2pm

Najib fundraiser

- The donation drive to raise RM50 million to secure the release and subsequent home detention of convicted former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has reached RM1 million, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said today.

In a brief statement on Facebook, Asyraf (above) said the solidarity fund reached the milestone at 9.30am.

The fund was launched after the Federal Territories Pardons Board decided to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, provided he pays the RM50 million fine.

Yesterday, Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar told Malaysiakini that the conditional pardon only applies to the jail sentence imposed for his SRC International case.

READ MORE: Najib's conditional pardon only applies to SRC International case - AG

Sabah-Philippines barter trade

- Sabah is preparing a working paper on the revival of barter trade with the southern Philippines for presentation to the state cabinet, said Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Ewon Benedick.

Ewon (below), who is also deputy chief minister III, said chambers of commerce, particularly Chinese business groups in Tawau and Sandakan, had made numerous requests for barter trade activities to resume along Sabah’s east coast.

Bernama reported him saying that he had also received a visit from Mindanao’s trade minister, who expressed interest in closer cooperation, with the involvement of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.

However, Ewon said any decision to revive the activity would have to take into account proper governance, legal requirements and monitoring. He added that the state government’s decision would be communicated to industry players.

Fertiliser

- MACC has recorded statements from Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and the ministry’s secretary-general as part of its probe into delays in fertiliser deliveries in Kedah.

Bernama reported MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman as saying that 37 witnesses have been called to provide statements in the investigation, which is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

“We will set aside the governance issues for now because we are focusing on the criminal aspects. However, I cannot comment further because the investigation is still ongoing,” he told a press conference in Kajang today.

READ MORE: MACC may call in minister, sec-gen over Kedah fertiliser supply delays

Previously at 11am | Umno leader slams PKR MP over pardon criticism; viral show video probed

Prison Dept visits Najib's home to assess suitability for house arrest

1MDB case status remains unchanged after Najib's conditional pardon - MACC

Harapan leaders pan Umno fund to pay Najib's RM50m fine

LFL: Anwar, govt must take full responsibility for Najib's pardon