https://focusmalaysia.my/prisons-dept-denies-claims-of-very-special-treatment-for-najib/

https://focusmalaysia.my/prisons-dept-denies-claims-of-very-special-treatment-for-najib/





THE Prisons Department has refuted allegations suggesting that former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak is receiving “very special treatment” during his incarceration at Kajang prison.


Prisons Department director-general Datuk Nordin Muhamad pointed out that all inmates including Najib are treated equally in accordance with established rules and standard operating procedures. He reiterated that there is no favouritism shown towards any prisoner.

“This includes Najib who is currently serving his sentence in Kajang prison. He remains subject to the rules and Prison Act 1995. Strict action will be taken if any prison officers are found to be giving special treatment to prisoners.


“On this matter, we will not compromise at all, we always uphold our legal basis,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying that all prisoners are managed in accordance with the set rules and standard operating procedures.

These statements from the Prisons Department come in response to recent claims made by preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin who alleged that Najib was receiving preferential treatment in jail.

Wan Ji, who was recently released after serving his sentence in the same prison, asserted that Najib wore regular clothing and was housed in a special block. His assertions have prompted calls for clarification from the Home Ministry.

Meanwhile, MUDA has urged the Home Ministry to address the allegations promptly and transparently.

Questions have also been raised about whether the treatment of high-profile individuals particularly those associated with former government leaders, reflects impartiality in the justice system.

“If it’s true, then is it true what the Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said about UMNO being ‘partners in struggle’?
“Among the examples UMNO is ‘partners in struggle’ and needs to be given special treatment is the DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) accorded to UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid is the Deputy Prime Minister at the moment.


“Even to this day, there is no statement from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to prosecute Zahid again,” it said.

MUDA then reminded Pakatan Harapan (PH) that transparency was the key agenda of the coalition during the 15th General Election.

“However, the longer this administration governs, more questions – pertaining to the transparency and double treatment by PH and also supported by UMNO – arise.”

Moreover, the controversy surrounding Najib’s incarceration stems from his conviction in the SRC International case for which he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 mil.

In February, the Pardons Board reduced Najib’s sentence to six years and significantly reduced his fine. Despite these developments, concerns persist regarding the perceived fairness of treatment in high-profile criminal cases. – March 29, 2024



Main photo credit: Astro Awani