KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed disagreement with Umno’s decision to pay the RM50 million fine on behalf of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, stressing that corruption and abuse of power must not be taken lightly in the name of friendship.

Anwar said personal ties and goodwill towards Najib should not create the impression that corruption and abuse of power involving billions of ringgit could be overlooked.

However, he acknowledged that the payment was Umno’s prerogative, adding that the government respected the legal process and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s decision under the Constitution.

“Personally, I disagree. While we have a sense of friendship with Datuk Seri Najib, it must not give the public the impression that corruption involving billions of ringgit can simply be overlooked.