KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah has rubbished claims that his client Datuk Seri Najib Razak received special privileges or preferential treatment in prison.
Shafee also laughed off the notion that Najib was even accorded the codename “merpati” (pigeon) and accorded liberal access to the outside world when the former prime minister received medical treatment in government facilities outside of the prison system.
Shafee explained that Najib received normal treatment as any other prisoner when receiving medical treatment at government facilities, including in Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) and Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH).
“B******t, total nonsense. It is a standard room for anyone who seeks treatment in prison, that’s what they did,” he said.
When asked about allegations that Najib’s family members were allowed better access to him compared to visiting privileges accorded to prisoners, Shafee also refuted such claims.
“You know, I wanted to see him last Saturday and Sunday because as a counsel I need to see (him) for something urgent just as I came back from Melbourne (but) they (the prison department) said they can’t give an exception too many times, they say that.
‘Which is exactly what I get with other prisoners. So what are these (allegations) of special (treatment)? I don’t understand,” he said.
Shafee explained that while he does not have the full details on why Najib was sent to CRH, it could be related to a previous knee operation he had during his tenure as prime minister.
“I don’t know the exact details but he requires physiotherapy,” he said.
Shafee also stated that Najib is still suffering from stomach ulcers and his blood pressure remains elevated.
“If you notice, he also has lost a bit of weight,” said Shafee.
Shafee said the prison department is monitoring Najib’s diet so as not to further aggravate his medical condition but stressed that even his family members are not allowed to pass food to him.
In a statement on September 21, the Prison Department said the Pekan MP was referred to CRH on September 19, following the advice of HKL, and that he would only return to Kajang Prison to continue serving his 12-year sentence once he gets medical clearance.
Najib had been hospitalised in HKL from September 12 after he complained of pain due to high blood pressure as a result of a change of medication, forcing his high court trial on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd corruption case to be adjourned and vacated until next week.
He began his prison sentence on August 23 after the Federal Court upheld the high court’s guilty verdict in his SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
According to the Prison Department, it had allowed Najib to seek treatment at HKL in line with the Prison Act as well as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules).
The department’s statement last week comes amid allegations spreading online that Najib – who has been referred to as a “merpati” – has been granted liberal access to the outside world.
The message, which has been making the rounds, had alleged that Najib would be moved to CRH to allow him better access to visitors, especially family and friends – and that the former prime minister would also supposedly spend most of his 12-year sentence at the hospital. – The Vibes, September 26, 2022
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