KUALA LUMPUR – Disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will apparently be accorded “better” treatment during his incarceration, according to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, based on information the opposition leader has gathered from prisons personnel.
However, the PKR president, who had himself collectively served around 10 years in prison under separate sentences, emphasised that time spent behind bars is not a bed of roses.
This is particularly so for someone like Najib who is accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle, he added.
In an interview with US business news channel CNBC, Anwar reflected on his time in prison, which he claimed was tougher than what Najib will supposedly go through.
However, the Port Dickson MP said his own time in prison had allowed him to reflect on the future and made him spiritually and mentally stronger, while most of his time was spent meditating, reading and exercising.
“I was in prison during the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad era. It really was much tougher. I had no access to books, or family (visits) initially,” he said.
“Even under Najib’s government, I was thrown into a normal lock-up, sleeping for weeks on the floor, without consideration for my back problem or my age.
“From what I understand from my old colleagues, prison officers, I think Najib will be given somewhat better treatment, in the sense that he will be accorded some facilities.
“But still, prison is not a bed of roses. It is tough. Particularly (when) compared to his present lifestyle of a seven-star hotel, (he) is going to experience something really difficult.”
Najib was ordered to serve his 12-year jail sentence beginning yesterday after the Federal Court upheld the high court’s conviction of the Pekan MP for all seven of his charges related to the SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case.
Earlier today, the Prisons Department had refuted a claim made by a social media user that Najib will be given special treatment at Kajang Prison, where he will spend his jail term.
Labelling the accusation as fake information, the department rubbished any notions of Najib being accorded access to better food, beds, or even an air-conditioned cell.
On a separate matter, Anwar said Malaysians still have a duty to perform in the coming 15th general election. He reminded voters that if they are determined to ensure the country is safe from corrupt leaders, they must take a position to choose those they believe are incorruptible.
He also credited the public for making a change during the last general election in 2018 when Najib’s government was voted out. He said Najib would have still been a free man if he had remained in power.
“Without that decision (in 2018), this wouldn’t have happened. Political leaders, political elites will continue to rob without impunity. They are invincible and above the law,” Anwar said. – The Vibes, August 24, 2022
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