“WHO said the Home Detention Act is for former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak?” said Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on rumours that Najib will be freed once the law on house arrest is voted.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s shariah and law faculty associate professor Muzaffar Syah Mallow said only those who are convicted for lighter offences should be given consideration for house arrest.
It is possible that Saifuddin is referring to Muzaffar in his bid to dispel popular beliefs that Najib will be freed soon.
The government is encountering criticism on social media following the announcement of the law, as many perceive it as an effort to facilitate the release of the former premier, who recently issued an apology regarding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
Saifuddin emphasised that the government has specific purposes for introducing the Home Detention Act.
“The law for detaining offenders at home is still in the drafting process, and before this decision is made, many studies have been conducted.
“What is certain is that its future implementation will focus on those who are truly eligible, and the selection process will be very thorough. This will also help ease the management of prisons and corrective centres.
“Therefore, I ask everyone to keep an open mind and not confuse the public with negative assumptions about this initiative,” Saifuddin said today in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Undang-undang bagi penahanan pesalah di rumah masih dalam proses penggubalan dan sebelum keputusan ini dibuat, banyak kajian telah dijalankan.
Yang pasti adalah pelaksanaannya kelak akan memberi fokus kepada yang betul-betul layak dan pemilihan akan melalui proses yang amat… https://t.co/225mnK7HC2
— Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (@saifnasution) October 26, 2024
Nevertheless, DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer has cautioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against fully embracing Najib’s apology over the 1MDB scandal, fearing it may lead to public backlash.
The Jelutong MP praised Anwar’s compassion and humility but expressed doubts about Najib’s sincerity and his ability to show similar statesmanship if roles were reversed. He warned that, despite Najib’s expression of regret, the former premier’s alleged actions during his tenure might be unforgivable in the eyes of the public.
Moreover, Rayer voiced concern that accepting the apology could erode support, jeopardising Anwar’s position in future terms.
“We have worked hard to win the government. I want Anwar to continue to lead this country as the prime minister for many more terms. I am just afraid that if we accept the apology by Najib, the rakyat will not forgive us,” he wrote in a Facebook post. – Oct 26, 2024
