[UPDATED] Najib moved to Cheras Rehab Hospital for further treatment: Prison Dept 

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been transferred to Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) for further treatment and observation, according to the Prison Department. 

In a statement today, it said that the Pekan MP was referred to CRH on September 19, following the advice of Kuala Lumpur Hospital, and that he would only return to Kajang Prison to continue serving his 12-year sentence once he gets medical clearance from specialists.

The department added that it is its duty to ensure the well-being of inmates is constantly monitored and taken care of, including by granting the necessary treatment.

“As the authority carrying out the responsibility as provided under the Prison Act 1995, the department, other than carrying out the sentence that has been delivered, is also responsible in ensuring the health levels of inmates are monitored and taken care of. 

“This includes offering them treatment facilities and medicines as per the recommendations by the government medical officers,” it said. 

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 today comes amid allegations spreading online that Najib, who has been referred to as a “merpati” (pigeon), 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. 

It also claimed that Najib’s prison cell has been renovated, with RM3.5 million being spent on his health, transport, and accommodation. – The Vibes, September 21, 2022