WHILE it is not unusual for inmates to further their studies in prison, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has chosen to pursue his post-graduate studies in order to pass the time while serving a sentence in Kajang Prison, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“Najib is now filling his time by continuing his studies at the post-graduate level.
“In Kajang prison, there are even those who have completed their Masters and PhD. Many people do not know this,” Sin Chew Daily told in an exclusive interview with Saifuddin.
Najib was found guilty on July 28, 2020, by the High Court for abuse of power, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM42 mil in SRC International funding.
His request for the Court of Appeal to reverse the High Court judgement and sentence was denied on Dec 8, 2021.
Moreover, the former Pekan MP was sentenced to prison on Aug 23, 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his verdict.
Despite being in prison, Najib is still actively sharing his thoughts and opinions on what is happening in the country.
“Najib is not allowed to use a laptop or access the internet while in Kajang Prison, but it was still possible for him to post social media posts through his social media team doing so on his behalf as long as they are able to access his social media accounts,” claimed Saifuddin.
Moreover, Saifuddin said Najib expressing his views were no different to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issuing statements when he was in Sungai Buloh prison (between February 2015 and May 2018).
“There are no laws stopping him from giving his views. Like Anwar previously, was also in prison, his method was when he had the chance to be outside to attend court cases, he would make spontaneous statements or he would make notes to be published, it’s the same. So we should not block him from expressing [his views],” he said in the video on Sin Chew Daily’s Pocketimes.
Saifuddin noted that Najib is physically in prison but his mind is still free. — March 8, 2023
