EXCEPT for being put in an isolation cell for his safety, incarcerated ex-premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak is not enjoying any special treatment.
In fact, the Pekan MP who is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence for fund embezzlement belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd at the Kajang Prison is subject to Regulation 8 of the Prisons Act 2000 whereby he is being treated like any other prisoner.
“As a former prominent leader of the country, the Prison Department has to heighten security to ensure his (Najib) safety. Facilities at his isolation cell is similar to that of other prisoners who require upgraded security,” a prison source told Malay news portal Utusan Malaysia.
“Najib is not getting any special privilege by virtue of being a former prime minister even though he’s placed in an isolated cell. He baths with cold water and his cell is only equipped with a fan.”
The same source told Utusan Malaysia that Najib also has no access to newspapers or even smartphones except for books (permissible reading materials).
Yesterday (Sept 7), the Prisons Department has slammed a piece of viral fake news which claimed that Najib who is affably known by his moniker Bossku is not within the confines of a jail cell but was instead “given a house within the prison grounds”.
The source further shared with Utusan Malaysia that Najib’s daily food intake is similar to the dietary scale of other prison inmate – often five meals a day comprising breakfast, lunch, tea break, dinner and supper.
The prison authorities also prohibit the sending of outside food for him by his family members.
“Nevertheless, if Najib requires a different diet, this has to be aligned with the recommendation by a medical officer on health grounds of the individual,” he noted, adding that Najib can carry out his daily physical exercise and recreational activities in accordance with the Prison Department’s existing safety and disciplinary guidelines.
Handcuff
When asked why was Najib not handcuffed when he was taken to attend his 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)-Tanore trial where he is charged with four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering of RM2.28 bil of 1MDB funds, the source said such need is at the prison’s discretion based on reasonable grounds.
“For example, Najib as a well-known personality is not expected to commit any violence, hence the need to handcuff him doesn’t arise at all,” justified the source.
Najib is also said not to have access to any special doctor except for medical officers who are assigned to look after every other inmate at the Kajang Prison.
“Personally, I’m baffled by the fact that why other jailed politicians have access to all facilities but not Najib. I even recall Najib reminding the prison authorities in the past to just grant the best of facilities to jailed opposition politicians,” lamented the source. – Sept 8, 2022
