Following former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conviction and imprisonment, one of the major issues was whether or not he’d be getting special treatment as he is considered a VIP.
It came to the point where the Prisons Department had to clarify multiple times that no special treatment will be awarded to him, despite all of the rumours that were spread around by netizens.
Recently, Utusan Malaysia reported that Najib had not been given any special treatment while imprisoned and is handled like any other prisoner under Regulation 8 of the Prisons Act 2000.
A source told Utusan that the Pekan MP has been placed in a cell that is equipped the same as other special cells for high-security prisoners.
“He has been placed in an isolation cell to maintain security in the prison and for Najib himself in accordance with Regulation 8 in the relevant law,” said the source.
“As a former leader of the country, security measures undoubtedly will be tightened to ensure he remains safe while in the care of the Prisons Department.”
The source also reportedly said that Najib is not handcuffed when brought to attend his other case hearings. This is because he has not committed any violent crimes as handcuffs are only used at the discretion of the prison, based on reasonable grounds.
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“The routine followed by Najib is the same as other prisoners, the only difference is that Najib is isolated from other prisoners while doing the same activities,” the source was quoted as saying.
Additionally, the source said that the food Najib receives is the same as what is given to other prisoners.
“Najib gets no special treatment as a former prime minister even though he is placed in a cell on his own and has to take cold showers, while his room only has a fan.”
“From what can be seen in court, Najib has skin allergies from the redness on his neck and he has ‘shrunk’ a little. There is no switch in Najib’s cell. He has allergies that can cause him to stop breathing in his sleep, so he needs to use a machine,” said the source.
Also read: Prison Dept: Najib Won’t Receive Any Special Treatment While Imprisoned
